AGRICULTURAL pesticide dumped on Wanstead Flats caused the death of 87 birds and a dog, wildlife investigators have found. Samples taken from the water and area surrounding Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, contained high levels of a poison used by food pro

AGRICULTURAL pesticide dumped on Wanstead Flats caused the death of 87 birds and a dog, wildlife investigators have found.

Samples taken from the water and area surrounding Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats, contained high levels of a poison used by food producers to kill unwanted insects, fungus and weeds.

The carcasses of pigeons, Canada geese, moorhens and coots were found scattered around the area, opposite the junction of Aldersbrook Road, and Wanstead Park Avenue.

A five-year-old German shepherd cross also died after being let of its lead in the area, which has been cordoned off since March 9.

The Health Protection Agency has said there is no further risk to the public and cordons around the lake have been taken down by City of London forest keepers.

Two men from Forest Gate, aged 35 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of breaching pesticide control regulations by the Metropolitan Police's Wildlife Crime Unit on March 26.

They were released on police bail to return on April 27 and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the poisoning will continue.