A serious environmental incident is unfolding along the River Thet in Norfolk, where residents have discovered hundreds of dead fish and a large stretch of the waterway blanketed in strange white foam.
The alarming scene emerged near the bridge connecting Thetford to the Abbey Heath estate, prompting immediate concern from local communities and environmental authorities. Distressed witnesses reported seeing the river transformed into what one described as a "toxic-looking soup" of foam and deceased wildlife.
Emergency Response Underway
The Environment Agency has confirmed it is treating the situation as a "high priority incident" and has deployed officers to the site. Teams are working to identify the source and nature of the contamination that has caused such devastating damage to the river's ecosystem.
Local resident Steve Hawkins, who first raised the alarm, expressed his shock at the scale of the disaster. "I've never seen anything like it on this river," he told investigators. "The foam was thick and persistent, and seeing so many dead fish is absolutely heartbreaking."
Ecological Impact Assessment
Early assessments suggest the pollution has had a catastrophic effect on the river's fish population, with species including trout, chub, and dace among the casualties. The white foam, described as having an unusual persistence compared to natural occurrences, points toward possible chemical contamination.
Environmental scientists are conducting urgent water quality tests to determine the exact substances responsible for the ecological damage. The investigation will examine potential sources including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or accidental chemical spills.
Community Concerns Mount
The incident has raised serious concerns among local residents about the long-term health of the river and potential risks to other wildlife. The River Thet forms part of the broader River Little Ouse system, meaning the pollution could have wider implications for the regional watershed.
The Environment Agency has established an incident hotline and is urging anyone with information about the pollution source to come forward immediately. "We're taking this incident extremely seriously," a spokesperson stated. "Our priority is to stop the pollution at source and assess the full environmental impact."
As the investigation continues, environmental officers remain on site monitoring the situation and implementing containment measures to prevent further ecological damage to this cherished Norfolk waterway.
