CCTV 'clue to oil slick vandals'

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Police are examining CCTV footage to establish who broke the seal on an oil container and released gallons of oil into Newry Canal.

The oil was spilled at Win Business Park in Newry and has polluted a beauty spot on the canal near the towpath, endangering birds and fish.

Two swans nesting on the water have been covered in thick oil.

"One of the swans is covered in oil from head to toe," said Sinn Féin councillor Charlie Casey.

"The USPCA has been called in to monitor the situation.

"As the swans are nesting and they have eggs, they are quite aggressive."

Vandals spilled the oil on Thursday night.

Police said a container outside business premises was tampered with and lubricant was released.

"Police are liaising closely with other agencies (the Environment Agency and USPCA) and inquiries are continuing," a spokeswoman said.

Clean-Up

A clean-up operation at the site is ongoing.

"There are ducks and other hens nearby and the area is popular for fishing," said Mr Casey.

"Those involved in this type of serious anti-social vandalism care nothing about the harm and destruction they are causing to the local businesses, community and environment."

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is investigating the spill.

"Statutory samples have been taken and booms have been deployed to contain the oil and a clean-up is under way. There are two oiled swans and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) have been made aware of this," a spokeswoman said.