A PAIR of council workers charged with pouring a poisonous chemical into a lake are alleged to have done it with the deliberate intention of killing animals, it has emerged.

Former pest controllers Mark Page, 35, and Paul Webb, 27, are accused of stealing a batch of the deadly Ficam - W chemical from Newham Council before dumping it in Alexandra Lake at Wanstead Flats back in March.

The duo appeared at Redbridge Magistrates Court yesterday where they pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of poisoning, theft and unlawful use of pesticide.

A mallard duck, 11 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, six Moorhen and ten feral pigeons, 16 coots and more than 20 crows were just some of the animals that were killed after the chemical was said to have been dumped.

Page, formerly of Romford but now of Barrington Road in Bexleyheath, Kent, and Webb, formerly of Ilford but now of Bancroft Chase in Hornchurch, will return to court on Tuesday August 3.

They are also accused of storing pesticide without ministerial approval.