RAW sewage polluted a Hampshire waterway rich in wildlife after a sewer was blocked by fat, grease and other waste.

Bartley Water, which flows through part of Totton, was contaminated when the blockage resulted in a manhole overflowing near Eling Tide Mill.

Several people have taken to social media to voice their anger and disgust at the "vile" incident.

One person who posted shortly after the discharge started said: "It's getting quite smelly and you can see signs of pollution right down to the mill.

Daily Echo: Sewage pours into Bartley Water. Picture: David Harrison/Facebook.Sewage pours into Bartley Water. Picture: David Harrison/Facebook.

"The Environment Agency, Southern Water and local authorities have been informed.

"I've also advised Hampshire Ornithological Society who obviously have a special interest - we have breeding swans, mallards and kingfishers in the immediate vicinity."

A Southern Water spokesperson said: "On Tuesday we cleared a large blockage caused by fat, oil, grease, wet wipes and sanitary products.

"The blockage meant a nearby manhole overflowed into a stream.

"Our priority was to remove the blockage and stop the spill as quickly as possible. An initial clean-up was undertaken at low tide and further clean-ups are planned over the next few days to align with tidal flows."

Daily Echo: The spillage occurred near Eling Tide Mill.The spillage occurred near Eling Tide Mill.

An Environmental Agency spokesman confirmed that the spillage had stopped.

He added: "We are waiting for a report from Southern Water before determining if there is the need for any further action. Fortunately there have been no reports of fish in distress."

It is not known how long the incident lasted or how much sewage ended up in the water.

A New Forest District Council spokesperson said: "We are liaising with a number of local nature and wildlife groups. To date there is no evidence there has been any negative impact on the environment or wildlife, particularly nesting birds.

"We'll continue to monitor the situation and will notify the Environment Agency and Southern Water of any further action that needs to be taken."

One of the people to took to social media to complain about the pollution said: "This is really disgusting in this day and age."

Ward councillor David Harrison the incident resulted in sewage "pouring" into Bartley Water.