SAMPLES are currently being analysed in a bid to trace the source of an oil spill which polluted an 800 metre stretch of Southampton Water foreshore near Hamble.
Eastleigh council confirmed yesterday that its environmental health office had been notified by the Southampton Oil Spill Unit that oil had been spotted on the foreshore near Westfield Common.
A council spokesman said: "A site visit confirmed that approximately 800 metres of the foreshore was affected."
But he added: "The amount of oil did not warrant a physical clear up although advisory signs warning people to keep pets and children away from the area were put in place."
The spokesman said the spill was thought to be bunker oil from a passing ship, and samples were currently being analysed.
"The site is being inspected on a regular basis, and at the present time it is expected that the action of the tide will dilute and clear the problem."
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