An investigation has been launched into a potential outbreak of toxic algae at Ashby Ville pond in Scunthorpe.

Visitors and dog-walkers have been urged to be "extremely careful" when at the nature reserve after a substance which could be the dangerous blue green algae was spotted.

Blue green algae can increase in water which is nutrient-rich, causing algal blooms. These blooms can produce toxins, which can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic animals.

North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed an investigation is being carried out and that it is working with the Environment Agency to find out if the substance is blue green algae.

In the meantime, visitors have been asked no to go into the water, or allow their dogs to go in the water, as it could affect them.

Visitors have been urged not to go into the water at Ashby Ville pond in Scunthorpe
Visitors have been urged not to go into the water at Ashby Ville pond in Scunthorpe

Councillor Ralph Ogg, the authority's cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places, said: "As soon as we were made aware of what looks to be blue green algae in Ashby Ville pond we contacted the Environment Agency to investigate.

"It is important that people and animals don’t come into contact with the water or enter the pond as it could be dangerous.

What is blue green algae and is it harmful?

According to the Environment Agency, blue green algae naturally occurs in inland waters, estuaries and the sea.

Blooms can form when their numbers become excessive and once algal numbers are high, the bloom is likely to persist throughout the season, declining only on the onset of winter conditions.

The agency says bloom and scum forming blue green algae can produce toxins, with toxin-producing blooms known as harmful algal blooms.

These toxins can be harmful to wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets.

In humans, they have been known to cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

"Not all blue green algae blooms and scums are toxic, but you cannot tell by just looking at them – it is best to assume they are.

"We would rather be safe than sorry. It isn’t worth the risk.

"If you do visit Ashby Ville Nature Reserve, please take extra care."

Councillor Ralph Ogg, North Lincolnshire Council's cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places
Councillor Ralph Ogg, North Lincolnshire Council's cabinet member for safer, greener and cleaner places

The warning over blue green algae comes two weeks after the council, together with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, urged people not to swim in open water areas such as Ashby Ville pond in hot weather.

At the time, council leader Rob Waltham said: "With the recent hot weather, we are seeing more and more people putting themselves in danger around open water at places such as Ashby Ville pond, other nature reserves and rivers.

"We would urge people not to swim or enter the open water as it is very dangerous.

"At Ashby Ville pond in particular, many hidden hazards lay below the surface of the water and the temperature can suddenly drop, putting any swimmer in difficulty.

"Open water is not a safe environment to swim in and should be avoided at all times, and especially if a person has been drinking. If people would like to swim, there are lots of swimming pools in North Lincolnshire."