Environment watchdogs have launched an investigation following fears that a beck has been contaminated by cattle slurry.

Residents alerted the Environment Agency after they noticed discolouration in Carleton Beck, which runs through the village of Carleton near Skipton.

Environmental Agency officers fear the pollution could get into the nearby River Aire.

A spokesman said: "There is every chance of it reaching the river but because of the volume of water, officers don't anticipate any significant effect."

She said that a prosecution could result from the spillage, which was thought to be cattle slurry. "A biological survey is being carried out to assess the ecological impact of the spill. It will be sent for analysis and enforcement action is an option," she said.

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