Watchdog investigates ‘unacceptable’ cyanide spill in Walsall canal

Waterways trust boss calls incident infuriating' as Environment Agency investigates metal finishing firm

The Environment Agency has described a cyanide spill into a West Midlands canal as unacceptable" and promised robust action if any wrongdoing is found to have occurred.

A major incident was declared after the spill of sodium cyanide into a canal in Walsall on Monday. The public have been advised to avoid about 12 miles of canals and towpaths in the area and on Thursday a UK waterways boss described the situation as distressing" and infuriating".