Full scale of pollution problem for birds not yet known
It could be days before the true scale of the pollution spill affecting sea birds on the south coast is known, wildlife experts said today.
It could be days before the true scale of the pollution spill affecting sea birds on the south coast is known, wildlife experts said today.
A change in wind direction could have killed thousands more birds after scores were found washed ashore along England's south coast.
Increasing numbers of birds are washing up on the south coast after being covered in a mysterious substance.
Increasing numbers of birds are washing up on the south coast after being covered in a mysterious substance.
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Hundreds of sea birds are feared dead as many are washed up along the south coast. Covered in oil - there are concerns hundreds more could die over the coming days.
Investigations are continuing into how more than one hunded sea birds came to be covered in a greasy film along the Dorset coast. T
The guillemots were found on Chesil Beach in Weymouth.
They were take to an RSPCA recue centre in Taunton where they are being cared for.
Click on the link to see the pictures of the birds at the centre.
Investigations are continuing into how more than one hunded sea birds came to be covered in a greasy film along the Dorset coast. The guillemots were found on Chesil Beach in Weymouth and taken to a nearby RSPCA centre where they are being cared for.
It's not yet know what the sticky substance is but it's not thought to be fuel.
RSPCA staff attempt to treat some of the 100 birds that have washed up on Dorset's beaches, covered in a sticky, greasy substance.
Some have died but most have been taken an RSPCA Wildlife centre. Many have sore legs and early signs are that they are not responding well. And the number of birds coming in has been increasing in the last few hours.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have collected samples of this sticky substance for testing . It's not thought to be fuel. But untill its identified, the RSPCA are advising walkers to take care.
Members of the public are being warned about handling distressed birds on the south coast.
During the past 24 hours, a number of live birds have washed up on beaches covered in an unknown substance.
While the substance is being identified, agencies are urging people to avoid coming into contact with the birds and to keep pets away from the shoreline.
If anyone spots an affected bird or animal, they should report it to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Video just in of bird rescue off Dorset coast. More than 100 birds have been found covered in a sticky substance.
More than 100 sea birds have washed up on the Dorset/Devon coast. The birds are coated in a greasy film and apparently have very sore legs, but it's not clear what has happened to them. RSPCA officers are on the scene and are working to help the guillemots.
RSPCA officers frantically work to help sea birds that have been washing up on Dorset's coast. More than 100 have been covered in a greasy substance - but experts say it isn't fuel.
Manager of RSPCA West Hatch Peter Venn said: "We do not know what this substance is or where it has come from yet but we do know it is not fuel. It may be bi-product from manufacture, but at this stage we just do not know."