A STRETCH of Middlewich Branch canal will be closed until further notice, with a "pollution spillage" taking hold.

The spillage, described by boaters as "thick black oil", is in the water between bridges 11 and 18 to the south west of Middlewich.

Updates suggest the spillage is moving towards Middlewich, with the easternmost affected area extending from bridge 14 to 18 overnight.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) published a notice on Thursday to alert canal users of the issue, and, along with the Environment Agency have been seen in attendance.

On Friday morning, the CRT announced a closure of the navigation, while the towpath remains open.