Pets '˜killed by lake algae' at nature reserve

Police say several dogs have died after coming into contact with algae at a nature reserve near Castleford.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th May 2016, 09:55 BST

Updated 10th May 2016, 10:56 BST

West Yorkshire Police say its officers on patrol at St Aiden’s Nature Reserve between Leeds and Castleford at Methley spotted a blue/black algae.

From speaking to RSPB staff, officers say several dogs have died after entering the lakes in the last week.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “This particular algae is extremely dangerous to dogs and can cause death in a short space of time.

“Please do not let your dogs enter or drink the water.

“It can also be harmful to humans.”

St Aidan’s is a 400-hectare country park on a former opencast mine which closed in 2002.