Environment investigators have said they have identified the pollution source believed to have killed hundreds of fish in a County Antrim river.

A suspected chemical spill is being blamed for a fish kill on the outskirts of west Belfast.

Hundreds of dead fish were discovered in the Lower Colin River over the weekend close to the Colin Valley golf course and the Kilwee Industrial Estate.

Many of the dead fish are believed to be brown trout.

Many of the dead fish are believed to be brown trout

It is thought about 300 fish have died.

Environment and Heritage inspectors are currently investigating the fish kill.

It said a report was initially received from a member of the public on the Water Pollution Hotline.

Eco-system

The department said the source of the pollution had been identified and statutory samples had been taken.

A case is being prepared with a view to prosecution, said a spokesman.

A local environmentalist described the incident as an "environmental catastrophe".

"There appears to have been some kind of chemical spillage which has wiped out a large section of local fish life," said Terry Enright.

"Of course, it is not only the fish that will be affected by this, but the entire eco-system will suffer.

"This is an abundant stretch of river which is teeming with wildlife. Herons feed at this stretch as do other wildlife."