Seabirds washed up covered in oil on Yorkshire coast

Oil washed up along on North Yorkshire beaches has affected up to 50 seabirds, say Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The oil began to build up on Sunday afternoon along a 15-mile stretch of coastline.

A clean-up operation is being carried out and beach users have been advised to take care.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust say the largest reports of oiled birds have come from Scarborough - and warns that this kind of substance can be very dangerous for the animals.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust says guillemots and black-headed gulls have been hit by the spill.

Andy Skelton, Scarborough Borough Council's Head of Environmental Services said:

"We are currently in the process of clean up operations on a 15 mile stretch of our coastline between Scarborough and Speeton after deposits of oil were washed up onto beaches late yesterday afternoon and overnight.

"At this time, it is not known where the oil has come from but the strong easterly winds and heavy sea conditions are thought to have assisted the oil's journey to the shoreline.

"The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been trying to determine the source of the pollution, including conducting a surveillance flight, and together with the Environment Agency, is arranging for samples of the substance to be tested.

It's not known for sure yet what caused the oil spill.

From CBBC and Hull Daily Mail