An oil spill has threatened to damage the beauty of a picture-postcard village in north Essex.

Many litres of heating oil leaked into the brook at Finchingfield. It is believed to have come from a leaking tanker seen driving through the village at about 12.45pm yesterday.

But thanks to the quick action of Environment Agency workers, the spill was contained to the village pond and has not gone further downstream.

It was not thought any fish had been killed and fortunately the ducks, often seen on the pond, were away at the time.

Agency workers used booms and absorbent pads to restrict the spill and were expected to be spending at least the next two days clearing up the mess.

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Published Thursday, January 20, 2005

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