Scarborough beck polluted by 'high levels' of chemicals
A beck in Scarborough has been polluted by "high levels" of chemicals, the Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed.
An investigation was launched on Thursday after people living near the stream, on Weaponess Valley Road, complained about an unpleasant odour.
They agency said test results showed it was "highly likely" that work at a nearby former gas works had caused the leak.
The EA said people should keep away from the stream until further notice.
Stephen Richardson, from the EA, said the investigation and clean-up could last up to two weeks.
"We're going to have to clear up what's happened now, then we are going to have to start watching when work at the gas works starts up again," he said.
"We will be keeping a close eye on it."
Mr Richardson said the agency was in "close contact" with Yorkshire Water and Scarborough Borough Council about the incident.
He said an ecology team had been brought in to investigate what impact the leak would have on wildlife in and around the beck.