A SECOND major pollution incident on the River Irwell appears to have originated in East Lancashire, according to conservationists.

White foam has been reported along the waterway, as it runs through Burrs Country Park, between Summerseat and Bury.

Mersey Basin Rivers Trust (MBRT) officials believe the pollutant may have entered the Irwell via the Rossendale Water Treatment Works at Ewood Bridge or a point upstream.

The incident is the second serious alert on the river after a 25-mile stretch, from Irwell Vale to Manchester city centre, was suspected of being contaminated with a potent pesticide earlier this month.

Mike Duddy, MBRT chief executive, said any contamination may have originated upstream and treatment works operators United Utilities would not be at fault.

He said: “This latest event is a massive setback for the Irwell and all those who work hard to bring these improvements about.

“The recovery of the River Irwell has been one of the environmental success stories of the last 25 years.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said both of the incidents were under investigation but were being treated separately.

Water and moss samples were taken following the earlier alert, which has helped to narrow the search for the pollution’s source. No fish deaths had been recorded following the second incident.

The spokesman added: “We would like to reassure the public we take such reports very seriously.

"The source of the pollution in both incidents has not been identified at this time. Our investigations are ongoing and we will continue to work with partners.”