ALDERSBROOK: Body releases update on bird deaths investigation (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

ALDERSBROOK: Body releases update on bird deaths investigation

6:22pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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THE BODY investigating the deaths of dozens of birds at a popular beauty spot has released an update on its progress.

Officers from Natural England have been carrying out tests at Alexandra Lake on Wanstead Flats today (Thursday) to find out why around 40 birds and a dog have died there since Tuesday.

A spokesman for the body, which advises the Government on the natural environment, said: "Natural England has been on site conducting a thorough investigation today.

"(We) have been looking for evidence or any signs which may explain the cause of the bird deaths. There are healthy birds on the lake but it must be stressed that the site remains closed to public."

A spokeswoman for the City of London Corporation, which maintains Wanstead Flats, said a full statement would be released once the results of the tests and post mortem examinations on the birds were complete.

A date has yet to be set for this.

She said: "There have been unexplained bird deaths on and around Alexandra Lake and we have also received details of the death of a dog that was taken for a walk in the area of the Lake on 8th March.

"The area has been cordoned off and warning signs have been erected.

"Natural England, in association with the Environment Agency is leading an investigation.

"Epping Forest Keepers are on site to give out advice and the public are urged to stay away from the area and keep their dogs on leads.

"Post mortem examinations of some of the dead birds are being carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

"The City of London, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, Met Police and LBR Environmental Health will all take appropriate actions following on the results of these tests."