At least 70 fish, including 50 brown trout, have died after a toxic spill turned the River Wey into a foaming disaster zone. Wildlife along the Haslemere to Liphook stretch has been devastated, with dead fish spotted as far as Bramshott Mill.

The Environment Agency has launched an urgent investigation into the pollution. Witnesses described large mounds of foam and lifeless eels near Shottermill and Camelsdale. The foaming briefly subsided but returned on Sunday evening, sparking fears of ongoing contamination.

Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council has confirmed it is monitoring the situation, with its Grounds Team inspecting Radford Park for signs of pollution.

“So far, we have not found anything, but we will update residents should this change,” a spokesperson said.

Pet owners are being urged to keep their dogs out of the water as a precaution.

Haslemere town councillor Claire Matthes called it “an absolute tragedy” and warned of wider damage.

“There’s been so much speculation over what’s happened, but everyone is outraged and saddened. It’s not just the fish—this has impacted the entire ecosystem,” she said.

MP Gregory Stafford is demanding urgent answers while the Environment Agency carries out water tests. But for now, the public will have to wait a little longer to learn the cause of the environmental catastrophe.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Our officers attended the River Wey pollution incident over the weekend that has sadly resulted in a number of fish deaths.

“We thank members of the public for reporting this to us so that we could quickly respond. The source of the pollution is being traced with water samples taken and our investigations into this incident continue.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Environment Agency’s confidential hotline on 0800 807060 or email Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council at [email protected]