A stretch of river was left covered in an oily slick after a motorist came a cropper with a jerry can full of petrol.

Passers-by noticed the spill in the River Stour at the back of Vauxhall Road and it was reported to the Environment Agency, with officers launching an investigation assisted by Southern Water.

Simon Fluendy, spokesman for the utility company, says they soon found it to be more innocent than initially thought.

"Inquiries suggest the cause of the pollution was a motorist's accident with a jerry can of petrol and that this is an isolated incident," he said.

"We are helping to clean up the mess.

"This accidental spill is a reminder that both householders and businesses must use drains and sewers correctly."

He says although this case was due to a mishap, it is important for businesses and householders to dispose of waste properly.

"In sewers, wet wipes and fat, oil or grease cause sewer blockages which can lead to drains backing up," he said.

"Mis-use of the surface drainage systems can lead to damage to the environment. "

Environment Agency spokesman Peter O’Connor says the organisation is confident that in this latest case no plants of wildlife were harmed.

He asks that anyone who sees what they think might be pollution in the rivers should call the agency's 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.