TESTS to establish what killed around 40 birds in Poole Park over a three week period have proved inconclusive, officials say.

The Daily Echo reported earlier this month how government scientists were carrying out tests in a bid to pinpoint the cause of death of the park's wildfowl.

Samples were sent to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) for specialist analysis, in line with current regulations.

Now, Kate Langdown, street scene manager at Borough of Poole, has confirmed: “Following the initial tests we carried out unfortunately we don't have any conclusive results about why the birds have died.”

Avian flu was quickly ruled out and the water in Poole Park lake has been tested for potentially toxic blue-green algae, but these results also proved negative.

“We are continuing to investigate what options are available and will continue to monitor the wildfowl in the park,” said Mrs Langdown. “We are confident there is no risk to the public.”

The deaths occurred during a three-week period from July, with geese, ducks and gulls all being affected, generally around the freshwater lake.

Council officers say it is not out of the ordinary for birds to die at the park, but the numbers involved recently were higher than normal.

According to the latest Defra guidance, if more than five wild birds are found dead at a single site the department must be notified - to enable tests to be carried out if deemed necessary.

Wildfowl can carry infectious disease potentially harmful to humans, but this seems not to be the case at Poole Park.