A FAULTY generator has been blamed for polluting the Holme and Colne rivers with diesel oil.

Members of the public contacted the Environment Agency on Friday, reporting an oily film on the water and a strong smell of petrol.

An agency spokes- woman said staff had traced the spillage to a generator working through the night, which had sprung a leak.

Oil had entered the water via a drain.

The pollution affected the Holme from Holmbridge to its junction with the Colne at Folly Hall and further downstream to Bradley Mills.

The spokeswoman added: "The oil will dissipate very quickly. We have positioned a barrier, just in case any more oil gets in the water.

"There is no evidence that fish or other wildlife have been killed."