ENVIRONMENT bosses will continue to monitor a Hampshire river following reports of an oily substance in the water.

The Environment Agency said it will continue to monitor a stretch of the Monks Brook river in Eastleigh, after residents reported an oil-like substance in the water.

Jane Marucci, 43, from Eastleigh, said she was walking her dog on Sunday when she noticed an oily substance in the stretch of river between the Pavilion on the Park and Places Leisure Eastleigh.

“There was a strong smell like paint and we thought it was a bit unusual around that area,” the accounting technician said.

And added: “When we approached a part of the river where people let their dogs in the water there was oil in the water. It was a lot and it made the whole river smell.

“Normally you see a little bit of oil in the water as it comes off the road but never a lot. This time it was like someone had poured out oil in there.”

Jane said she called the Environment Agency and reported the incident.

“I don’t know what it was. I’m leaving that for the experts to confirm. A lot of people gather there to have a chat, let their dogs play in the water and children get in with them when it’s hot. I hope they will find out what it was and where it came from,”she added.

Ian Walton, Environment Agency team leader, said: “Our officers responded to reports of a small amount of an oil like substance in the stretch of the Monks Brook river in Eastleigh. On further investigation and site visit, we found no oil on the Monks Brook. The initial reports were after recent rainfall, we will continue to monitor the situation and if further oil is found then we will investigate further.”

Environment officers at Eastleigh Borough Council were also made aware of the incident.

A spokesman for the authority said: “Based on the current information and advice from the EA, the council is not taking any further action or issuing any further advice at this time. If the public notice any further incident please contact the EA in the first instance on 0800 80 70 60.”