River turns electric blue and bright orange after dye released into water

19 July 2023 , 09:47

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The River Trent, in North Staffordshire, was left vividly colourful after the spill (Image: Stoke Sentinel/BPM Media)

Parts of one of the UK’s biggest rivers was turned electric blue and bright orange yesterday, after masses of clothing dye was released into the water.

The shocking incident happened in the River Trent, downstream of Stoke-on-Trent.

Eye-raising photos show how bright a royal blue the water has turned in one part, and orange in another.

The Environment Agency previously said that they were “aware of the discolouration” caused by the “accidental release of clothing dyes”.

Even though they insisted that samples showed no cause for concern, they warned Brits to keep themselves, and their pets, out of the water.

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Parts of the 185 mile river were left bright colours (Stoke Sentinel/BPM Media)

They said: “"We're aware of discolouration of the River Trent in Stoke-on-Trent caused by the accidental release of clothing dyes.

“No fish or wildlife are in distress but we recommend people and pets avoid the water whilst the colour remains."

It is not yet clear how not one, but two separate clothing dyes were dumped in the river.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are aware of the discolouration of the River Trent downstream of Stoke-on-Trent.

"Our officers have been investigating and have established the cause is pollution of the river by the accidental release of water-based dyes used in clothing.

"The impacts appear to be purely visual and no fish or wildlife have been seen in distress and samples taken show no cause for concern.

"Nevertheless, we recommend people do not go into the water or allow their pets to enter whilst the discolouration is present. If people do identify any impacts we encourage them to report to our hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

Kieren Williams