Statement by the Port of London Authority:

“On 17 August, FM Conway, a commercial operator working from Imperial Wharf in Gravesend accidently released bitumen – an oil product used in construction projects and to pave roads – into the River Thames.

"Since then, the Port of London Authority has been using its expertise to coordinate the clean-up operation working with partners across the region.

"So far, we have removed around 15 tonnes of bitumen from the River Thames. We will continue our efforts to search for, contain, and remove the spill.  

"If people find what they suspect to be bitumen, please don’t try to remove it yourself but report it to your local council.

"Our expert contractors advise that it is not harmful to human health, but it requires proper handling and disposal to avoid further contamination.

"The Environment Agency will lead the investigation into the cause of this incident.”

• Anyone wishing to report a sighting on the Tendring coast can contact TDC’s Contact Centre on 01255 686868 (Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm; Friday, 9am–4.30pm). Outside of these hours, please call 01255 222022. It’s helpful if reports include the exact location, and ideally a photo and brief description.

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