Dying fish can be seen 'gasping for air' after being starved of oxygen at a popular pond.

Highams Park Lake has been attracting rare birds of prey with dead fish left on the bank causing distress to children and dog walkers in the area.

It is believed that a recent infestation of algae has been absorbing the oxygen out of the lake for at least a week.

Park wardens were at the scene yesterday (October 15) to aerate the water using air pumps in an attempt to return oxygen levels to normal.

Virginia Firnberg, of Beech Hall Crescent, said the lake where she regularly walks her dog Blaze looked like "it was dying".

“I am really distressed by it all and all the other dog walkers are upset”, she said.

“I only noticed it last week when the lake started to stink, and it is still putrid.

“You can see lots and lots of fish all gathered together at the surface gasping for air.

“It has attracted all these birds of prey like Herons, and things.

“I thought it was quite nice at first- until it was pointed out to me that they were just feeding on all the dead fish.

“This place was once a beauty spot but now it has become a real eyesore.”

Another park regular, who did not want to be named, claimed the corporation were asking for volunteers to man the oxygen pumping machines at the weekend.

She said: “It seems baffling that the City of London, a multi-million pound corporation, can’t afford to maintain the lake properly.

“Only recently have they brought in an aerate machine- but sadly it is too little too late.

“I am really concerned about the long term effects to the lake. There are big old carp that have lived in there for decades.”

The City of London Corporation, who manage the pond, have been approached for comment.