An urgent warning has been issued after toxic chemicals spilled into a town's canal which could pose a 'serious' risk to health.

Residents have been told to avoid the canal in Pleck, Walsall, West Mids., after the chemical spillage was discovered on Monday (12/8).

Council bosses warned anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water faces a "potential serious risk" to their health."

The toxic spill triggered a large multi-agency response involving eight organisations which are working to try and limit its spread.

Police have also cordoned off the scene while locals have described seeing dead fish floating on the surface of the water.

Walsall Council warned dogs and other animals were also in danger and urged pet-owners to avoid the stretch between Spinks Bridge and Birchills Street Bridge.

A council spokesperson said: "We have been notified by the Environment Agency of a toxic chemical spillage in Pleck, Walsall."

"There is a potential serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed (direct physical contact with the water) in the affected stretch of the canal."

"Access to the area of the canal in the immediate area is being closed and the affected stretch of the canal has been contained to reduce the harm to wildlife and the wider waterway."

"The public are asked to avoid the canal and its towpaths in the affected area."

"Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact) along the affected stretch of canal water and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency."

"If you have concerns around the disposal of animals or fish, please contact the Environment Agency 24hr helpline 0800 807060."

The multi-agency response includes Walsall and Sandwell Councils, Walsall Police, West Midlands Fire Service , the Environment Agency, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Canal and Rivers Trust, and Severn Trent.

Local resident Martyn Lever said he spotted dead fish floating on the water on Monday along the canal where he helps litter pick.

He said: "We use the canal all the time for leisure, recreation and we walk the dog along there, plus I volunteer litter picking along there and we try to keep the area as clean and tidy as we can."

"When you see something like this, standing on the bridge and seeing dead fish on the top, it's a horrible thing to see."

"And the thing is that two days ago, it was fine, but we saw the pollution yesterday morning and it seems like it was allowed to happen."

"We can't do anything at the moment as we've heard it might be cyanide and I've heard that dead fish have been seen as far down as Walsall town centre."

Another resident said: "This is the first I've heard of it, but it's very worrying to hear about it as I know a lot of people who walk down around the canal and go fishing in it."

"I don't know what might have caused it as there's a few industrial buildings around here, including a new build, but it's just worrying to hear about the canal being polluted."

The Environment Agency have been contacted for a comment.