River Severn pollution scare after thieves cut Ironbridge factory pipes

Thieves cut the copper pipes of an oil tank to steal fuel from the Merrythought factory in Ironbridge, causing a spill into the River Severn.

The thieves scaled the roof of the factory at Dale End and cut the piping to the tank. Up to 2,000 litres of fuel was taken from the tank, with the remainder leaking on to the car park and into the river.

The Environment Agency launched an investigation but said the leak would not cause any environmental impact.

The thieves targeted the site between 8pm yesterday and 4.50am today.

Factory bosses today said the full tank of fuel was worth up to £1,400.

Hannah Holmes, director of Merrythought, said: "The staff acted very quickly, putting sawdust down and contacting the relevant authorities, but unfortunately a small amount did slip down into the River Severn so we had to get the Environment Agency involved.

"It is a small, domestic 2,000 litre tank which we use for heating the office."

She said the Environment Agency had visited the site and monitored the river all the way to Bridgnorth.

Jessica Campbell, for the Environment Agency said: "At this stage we are confident that the level of the pollution will not cause any environmental impact. We will continue to monitor the pollution as it moves downstream."

Contact Telford police on 101.