An estimated 500 dead fish were found floating in Abington Park lake in the fortnight leading up to last weekend, but fishermen have spotted far fewer this week.

Vince Battams, of Abington Angling Club, said: "We have found a handful but it's nothing compared to what it was like last week, when we found at least 50 dead fish at one point.

"We are still keeping an eye on the situation but hopefully things are looking up a bit."

The Environment Agency is carrying out tests on samples of water taken from the lake at the weekend after concerns were raised it may be polluted.

A lack of oxygen in the water had also been suspected for causing the unusually high number of deaths, but this has since been ruled out.

Angler Shirley Holmes, of Wellingborough Road, Abington, claims the deaths may have been caused by a contagious disease known as fin rot.

Environment Agency spokesman Lyn Fraley said: "The angling club has reported very few deaths since the weekend, so things are looking promising."