AN investigation has been launched following the contamination of a river with pig slurry.
A tributary of the River Foss, in York, was polluted following muck-spreading by a local farmer, the Environment Agency said.
The agency has warned residents not to come into contact with the water, which is likely to contain a large number of potentially harmful bacteria.
The council's acting principal environmental protection officer, Sean Suckling, said: "We are advising people not to come into contact with the contaminated water, and to be sensible about their use of the river area - for example not letting their dogs play in the river.
"It is difficult to tell how long the contamination will last at this stage, but it is likely that the water will be discoloured for several days."
If residents have any concerns, they should contact the Environment Agency on 0845 933 3111.
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