INVESTIGATIONS are underway to find the 'third party responsible' for polluting a Weymouth lake with diesel, which killed several fish.

Firefighters, Environment Agency and Wessex Water were called to Radipole Lake opposite Swannery car park in response to reports of dead fish in the water on Wednesday, May 12.

Investigations at the scene determined that the leak has likely come from a drain which leads to the lake. Wessex Water and Environment Agency are working to find the source of the leak. 

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “We believe a third party is responsible for a fuel leak which has made its way into the lake.

“We’re helping the Environment Agency to establish the source of this and help mitigate any impact.”

Dorset Echo: At least six fish have died at Radipole Lake, WeymouthAt least six fish have died at Radipole Lake, Weymouth

Environment Agency staff, with the assistance of firefighters, contained the fuel leak with the assistance of firefighters using an inflatable hose and absorption equipment. 

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, which was called at 1.12pm, said the substance was diesel and believed to have come from a drain which enters the lake. The last remaining fire crew left the scene after 3pm.

Fuel can be seen on top of the water at the contaminated area of the lake, with a thick smell of diesel in the air.

It is believed that at least six pike fish have died as a result of the diesel leak. Several vehicles from Wessex Water and Environment Agency were parked at Swannery car park as workers arrived to investigate the leak yesterday.

Dorset Echo: Firefighters from Weymouth and Gillingham were called to the scene. Picture: Daniel CorneyFirefighters from Weymouth and Gillingham were called to the scene. Picture: Daniel Corney

A spokeswoman from Environment Agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing into what caused the leak and are 'working with local organisations affected by this incident'.

She said: "We have been made aware of pollution around Radipole Lake, Weymouth. Environment officers are on site working with Wessex Water to identify the type and source of the pollutant. 

She added: "With assistance from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, we have deployed a boom across an outfall to try to absorb some of the pollutant on the lake and prevent any further ingress. 

Dorset Echo: The hazardous fuel that leaked into Radipole Lake. Picture: Daniel CorneyThe hazardous fuel that leaked into Radipole Lake. Picture: Daniel Corney

"We will continue to work with local organisations affected by this incident."

A spokeswoman for the fire service said: "We were called at 1.12pm on Wednesday to assist with an oil spill into the Radipole Lake. Two crews from Weymouth and our Environmental Support Unit from Gillingham attended. 

"Crews used inflatable hose to contain the oil leak, most likely diesel, until the environment agency arrived."