SCORES of dead fish has been found at Gartmorn Dam with environmental protection officers investigating the case.

Numerous members of the public have reported the find at the Wee County beauty spot, popular with walkers of all ages.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) twice attended the scene, understood to be at a small pond just by the dam, and found no pollution in the water with the incident since referred to Marine Scotland.

Officers suspect a combination of cold weather, ice and lack of oxygen may be behind the deaths of the dozens of fish found by residents.

A SEPA spokesperson told the Advertiser: “We have received a number of reports from members of the public regarding dead fish in a pond at Gartmorn Dam, near Fishcross.

“A SEPA officer attended to investigate on Thursday, December 22, and again on Sunday, January 1, and no pollution was identified.

“It is suspected the fish may have died due to a combination of cold weather, ice and a lack of oxygen and the incident has been referred to Marine Scotland.”

The council explained SEPA was investigating the incident with the local authority being kept up to date on developments.

The SEPA spokesperson added: “We would like to thank the members of the public who reported this and continue to encourage anyone who spots signs of pollution to report this to SEPA online at sepa.org.uk/reportor by calling 0800 80 70 60.”