First statement after dozens of dead fish spotted floating on lake at Wakefield park

Walkers have reported seeing groups of the aquatic animals floating on the top of the lake over the last few weeks.

It is believed that hot weather is to blame for the deaths, as warm water holds less oxygen, leaving fish to essentially suffocate.

One walker said: "I was ashamed of how the duck pond is now. There was what I could see about 10+ dead fish in the pond.

"It really stinks while we were walking along. Even the ducks didn't want to go in the water.

"This is a family area and its disgusting seeing it like that. I used to go as a kid and it used to be beautiful."

Wakefield Council has confirmed that they are aware of the issue, and work is underway to remove the dead animals from the water.

Glynn Humphries, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Property, said: “We know it is upsetting to see the dead fish and we are trying to remove them as soon as we can.

“Unfortunately, when we have a hot spell, the water can become low on oxygen causing the loss of some fish. The fish will initially sink but then after some time can rise to the surface so we are keeping a close on eye on the pond.”