Diesel spill threatens nature reserve

Desperate efforts were being made today to prevent an environmental disaster in a nature reserve designated as an area of special scientific interest.

Around 8,000 litres of diesel fuel spilled into a tributary of Lough Beg near Toombridge, Co Derry and spread out into the lough.

A specialist clean-up company was brought in by the UK Department of Environment to try to stem the flow and to clean up the lough.

Lough Beg and its surrounding area is a nature reserve and designated by the government as of special scientific interest.

It is known for its wildlife and is used in spring and autumn by migrating birds to rest and feed.

It contains some 300 acres of wet grassland is home to many rare plants.

The alarm was raised by the crew of a police helicopter who spotted the oil spill in the lough while on a routine flight and radioed in details.