An investigation is underway into an oil leak at one of Kent’s most historic rivers where wildlife has been reported dead.

The spill was identified in the Great River Stour, near Canterbury and was discovered to be coming from the decommissioned Chartham Paper Mill site.

The Environment Agency (EA) is leading the investigation after it received 35 reports in 24 hours and found a dead bird and fish.

It says its officers continue to work with contractors to find evidence of environmental harm.

An unknown amount of synthetic insulating oil was found to have entered the drainage system into the river but most of this has now been contained using “booms and pads”.

This was organised by the paper mill’s site manager and is being managed by a firm of private contractors.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency has asked the public to continue to report sightings of oil on the river to our free 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807 060.

Yesterday, a caretaker at the Marlowe theatre in Canterbury told KentOnline the spill had made the city centre “stink of diesel”.

Kayleigh Gogerly, 38, said she was worried that wildlife in the area could be affected.

“I haven’t got a clue how it is been caused but it’s not good for the wildlife,” she said.