River Irwell: Mysterious white foam investigated in Salford
The Environment Agency is investigating where the foam came from, but so far the source is unknown.
Tuesday 5 November 2019 13:02, UK
Thick white foam that mysteriously appeared on Salford's River Irwell is being investigated by authorities.
People on social media described it as "like loads of soap suds" and said it was "blowing all over the place" - even floating in the air in Manchester's Deansgate.
The Environment Agency is on site but is currently unaware of the source.
Alastair, 30, from Manchester, said he saw the foamy discharge in the early morning but that it started to diminish at around 8.30am.
"It was a pretty continuous stream of white foam," he said. "At first I actually thought it might have been ice it was so thick.
"It's not the first time I've seen pollution in the Irwell, but it's by far the worst."
Lee Hoosein tweeted: "Something odd going on in the River Irwell this morning. Lots of white foam on the surface and floating in the air along Deansgate."
Chris Sawer posted: "Don't think there should be this much foam floating around the River Irwell. Hope it's not pollution or dangerous, it is blowing all over the place."
A spokesman for the the Environment Agency said it was aware of "foam pollution" in the Irwell as well as the River Roch.
He added: "We are currently on site investigating and are working with partners to resolve the incident. We are grateful for the public response in reporting the incident to our 24 hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60."
The River Irwell is 39 miles (63km) long and forms the boundary between Manchester and Salford.