HUNDREDS of dead fish have been spotted on the surface of Sankey Canal and the hot weather is to blame.

Concerned residents have noticed fish, including large carp, 'gasping for air'.

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency confirmed that most of the fish had been dead for several days.

They said: “We have received reports of dead fish in Sankey Canal.

"Our fisheries officers have investigated and concluded that the fish had been dead for several days and died as a result of ongoing dry weather issues and a high amount of duckweed in the water, causing oxygen levels to drop in the water itself.

“There was no evidence of pollution and the dissolved oxygen levels within the water are improving.

"We are working closely with the local angling club and the local authority to reduce the impact of this incident.”