Everything we know so far about 4,000-litre chemical spill in Walsall canal system
Here is everything we know so far about a chemical spill of around 4,000 litres of material in a Walsall canal which affected miles of waterways.
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The spillage in Pleck was reported on Monday, prompting a multi-agency response formed of nine groups including the Environment Agency and emergency services.
Walsall Council said on Tuesday morning a spill had leaked into the canal between Spinks Bridge and Birchills Street Bridge in Pleck and closed off the affected area.
Residents were told of potentially serious health risks to both themselves and their pets and were urged to avoid the water.
The local authority then extended its warning to walkers, anglers and swimmers to stay away from a further stretch of the canal system as a "precautionary measure".
More than 14 miles of the canal and towpaths were placed in the warning, from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.
'Major incident'
Later that day the spillage was declared a "major incident", as Environment Agency crews began to carry out tests and found sodium cyanide and two other chemicals in the water.
Sodium cyanide dissolves in water and can cause severe health effects or even prove fatal for those who come into direct physical contact with it.
People were advised not to enter or go near the canals in Walsall, though drinking water was said not to be affected.
