An emergency clear-up was carried out in a Bradford park after scores of dead fish were spotted in a pond.

Bradford Council sprang into action after a resident reported the incident in Horton Park, Horton Park Avenue, where the fish were seen floating on the surface.

The Environment Agency sent an inspector to the site in Little Horton to take water samples and establish why the fish had died.

Resident Sue Kirk, 38, of Ash Mount, Little Horton, Bradford, said she was distressed.

"There are scores of dead fish in the pond and at least three families of ducks and other wild birds are drinking the water," she said.

"It is a much neglected park but it is still a park."

There were two supermarket trolleys in the pond along with plastic bags and litter.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "An agency officer attended the site today and checked the amount of oxygen in the pond.

"The large amount of algae in the pond also relies on oxygen and this has resulted in there not being enough for some of the fish to survive.

"There are still some fish alive in the pond, but it looks like it needs to be cleaned out and re-oxygenated with fresh water."

David Talbot, Bradford Council's head of parks and landscapes, said: "We apologise for the condition the pond was found in and we have today cleaned it up."

Councillor Naveeda Ikram (Lab, Little Horton) said: "Horton Park is used by the majority of residents and myself.

"No doubt the residents deserve to see the park in the best condition and beauty.

"I will be looking into the matter and will be taking an interest in the upkeep of the park."

He said the small pond was unsuitable for fish. "As we have not stocked it with fish we can only assume that someone else has at some stage mistakenly put some in," he said.

"We will also be stepping up park ranger patrols to help deter the dumping of rubbish into the pond."

People who see anyone leaving rubbish in the park should call (01274) 432696.