A MULTI-agency investigation is underway following reports of people and animals becoming ill on land near Hellifield.

One landowner contacted Craven District Council after both sheep, farm tenants and visitors developed a range of symptoms, including breathlessness, itching eyes, a burning sensation in the throat, upset stomach and extreme fatigue.

The same landowner reported people having to have medical treatment and sheep having to be destroyed.

Several Craven councillors have also been contacted about the mystery, which was first reported early in November and is believed to be connected to something being spread on the land.

A site visit has taken place by officers from the Environment Agency and Craven District Council, and samples of 'land spreading material' taken away for analysis.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency is supporting Craven District Council in an investigation into land spreading activities near Hellifield, following reports that spreading activities may be putting communities at risk of harm.

“Our officers have attended the site and taken samples of the land spreading material for laboratory analysis. We will pass the results to the council’s environmental health team so they can consider whether there are any substances present that could be linked to potential health concerns.”

Meanwhile, Wyn Ashton, Craven District Council's environmental services and housing manager, said the council had been in touch with landowners to keep them up to date.

"No conclusions have yet been drawn as to the possible source of the irritant. We are currently awaiting analysis results of samples taken by the Environment Agency, and we are also widening our investigations as to the possible cause. We are working closely with other agencies who have also been investigating this issue.”