Major incident declared after toxic chemical spill in canal with locals urged to 'stay away'

Council bosses are warning locals that there is a potential serious health risk to anyone who has had direct physical contact with the water.

Sodium cyanide is described as "white crystal like solids with a faint almond colour", according to Public Health England's website.

It is used in industry for metal cleaning, plating, extraction and photography.

Anyone who has had exposure to the chemical could suffer from headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, changes in heart rate and loss of consciousness.

Members of the public are being urged to avoid the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall, Ryders Green and Perry Barr as a precautionary measure.

The council were notified of a spillage in Pleck by the Environment Agency on August 12 after toxic chemicals had gone directly into the canal.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Emergency services launch desperate search for boy, 16, who went missing in Cambridge lake
• Costa Coffee staff were told girl, 13, had severe allergy before she took one sip of hot chocolate and died
• Man in his 20s in 'critical condition' after being shot by police in quiet UK village

Those who have come into contact with the water should seek health advice through calling 111 or, in an emergency, 999.

Walsall Council added that anyone who has caught fish in the canal should not consume them.

However, drinking water has not been affected.

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council, said: "Our priority is the safety of our residents.

"I share their concerns and hope to see this incident resolved as soon as possible.

"We are working closely with our partners to manage this situation which has been declared a major incident.

"For your own safety please avoid this area of the canal and its towpaths."