ENVIRONMENTAL teams are investigating the cause of a possible oil spill in the River Ouse after a toxic substance entered the city’s drainage system.

A thick slick could be seen from the riverbanks near to Scarborough Bridge and was reported to the Environment Agency by concerned onlookers.

Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency have launched an investigation into the pollution but say they are unsure how it first got into the drains.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “At this stage we think that some oil or fuel has found its way into the drainage system in the centre of York which is now finding its way into the river.

“The incident is not currently causing any distress to fish or other wildlife. We have been co-ordinating with our professional partners, and we are very grateful for the reports we have received from the public.”

Dave Benson, of York Rescue Boat, said a member of his team spotted the spill and reported it to the Environment Agency.

He said: “It absolutely stinks.

“We don’t know what the substance is so it’s potentially a hazard to the wildlife but with some more investigation it’s something the Environment Agency will be able to handle.

“I noticed it once a few years ago but it’s not something that comes up on a regular basis.”

If anyone has any information about the source of the oil phone the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: “We investigated the spillage swiftly and can confirm it has now stopped. We are still investigating what the source of the spill was but do not believe it’s from one of our assets.”