WILDLIFE officers are investigating a pollution incident which is believed to be linked to more than 200 fish being found dead near Hay-on-Wye.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said on Saturday officers counted 200 dead bullhead fish over a seven-metre stretch of the Llynfi river, a tributary to the river Wye, as well as numerous crayfish.

NRW has said it remains committed to finding the source of the pollution, which has had a "devastating effect" on the river near Three Cocks, but they do nor believe further pollution is entering the river.

People have been warned to stay out of the water until officials say it's safe to re-enter.

The Wye Salmon Association, which aims to protect and conserve salmon and salmon fishing in the river Wye said the pollution was likely to have a catastrophic impact.

"Saturday's highly distressing news from the Afon Llynfi, a tributary to the River Wye, near Pontithel in Powys is beyond belief," a spokesperson for the group said.

"Whilst the details and type of incident are not exactly known at this time it seems likely to be catastrophic to the ecology and fish stocks in the river.

"This is not the first time there has been a major incident in this area. The last major incident in the same area being back in 2016 and again the initial incident report relied on members of the public to notify the authorities.

"Recently there has been significant concern expressed, both locally and nationally, about the water quality of our rivers and streams, and comes amid concerns over the current appalling state of the river Wye."