Canal killer is revealed

The type of chemical which killed 15,000 fish in Rochdale Canal has been identified as a herbicide more commonly used to kill weeds.

But checks by the Environment Agency have failed to pinpoint who was responsible.

Indications now point to a fly-tipper who poured the poison down a drain leading to the canal.

The Environment Agency has said it is adamant the hunt for those responsible will continue.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time of the poisoning on Saturday, July 19, is asked to call 0800-807060.

The chemical spill affected a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of the canal between Broadgate Business Park, Chadderton, and Failsworth.

It was declared a major pollution incident.

The dead fish were spotted by dog walker John Carter, of Sycamore Avenue, Chadderton.