ANDOVER'S MP has asked why the Environment Agency are being reluctant to release the "cause and culprit" behind the River Anton spill. 

In January, residents reported seeing a noxious substance in the body of water in Andover, which caused concern for wildlife and the environment.

The Environment Agency (EA) was able to find the source of the spillage and worked with contractors to stop the release. So far, 17,000 litres of the substance have been recovered.

READ MORE: River Anton Andover: MP Kit Malthouse takes issue to parliament

Kit Malthouse MP met with Lord Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs about the oil spill. 

He said: "It was a useful meeting where I raised the oil spill in the Anton and asked why the EA, having been swift to intervene and start the clean up, are being reluctant to release the cause and culprit.

"How can we have confidence that it won’t happen again if we don’t know who did it or why it happened, and what the consequences will be.”

On March 27, the MP previously raised the River Anton spillage in the House of Commons calling for reassurances that "those responsible are held to account".

Minister for environmental quality and resilience Rebecca Pow, reassured that the EA will investigate this incident, and if there is enough evidence to suggest a crime has been committed. 

An Environment Agency spokesperson reassured that have located the source of the pollution and are confident that the company involved are following the remediation plan to clear up the pollution.

The spokesperson added: "Our Environment Officers have been gathering evidence and are ensuring that a thorough clean-up is undertaken. We will continue to be involved until the risk of further pollution to both the watercourse and groundwater is addressed to our satisfaction

“We will consider what further enforcement action is appropriate, but can’t comment on ongoing investigations until the legal progress is complete. Any legal penalties are for a court to decide."

Anyone with information about this incident, or any other suspected pollution in our rivers and streams, can call the EA 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.