Authorities are taking “emergency action” to help suffering fish in the Oxford Canal after oxygen levels dropped.

Last week, thousands of fish were found dead floating at the top of the canal near Banbury.

Fish had been seen gasping for air by the lock near The Mill Arts Centre with Matt Armitage, who works nearby at Tooley's Boatyard, saying the canal is in the worst state he has seen it in 33 years.

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The Canal and River Trust said the recent storms have “significantly reduced” oxygen levels further.

The problem has been exacerbated by the rainfall washing pollutants from drains into the water.

The trust has been working alongside the Environmental Agency to install emergency aerators and pumps to put more oxygen in the water.

The issue has been described as “unprecedented” by the trust with 25 separate incidents being reported across the country in the canal’s network.

John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “Canals are vital habitats for wildlife, with fish and other aquatic life forming a vital part of the canals’ ecology.

"Whilst any instances of fish in distress is upsetting, seeing so many separate cases at the same time is unprecedented.

"We are doing all we can, as the nation’s canal charity, to support regulators in England and Wales”