Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

These images show how 10,000 fish have died after the water was drained from the lake they live in and cops are now investigating.

The startling incident occurred when the water was mysteriously drained from the Sonnensee lake located in the Ansbach district in Bavaria, Germany.

Police in Ansbach have confirmed the water was let out of the lake two weeks ago, but are investigating whether this was deliberate or by mistake.

Local media report walkers noticed the smell of rotting fish and alerted the police after seeing the reported 10,000 dead fish in the lake.

The police confirmed that the crime falls under animal protection laws and whoever let the water out will face charges.

Police believe many of the fish which could be eaten such as carp and trout were removed from the lake by fishers.

A police spokesman said: “Fishers were unable to rescue many of the fish,”

The majority of the fish in the lake was white fish and mussels local to the area.

Johannes Kalb from the local fishing association said: “This is a horrible situation for all involved. We will investigate who is responsible and this will be made public,”

“We are devastated at what happened and are helping with the clear up,” he added.

Prosecutors have called in experts to help investigate what has happened to the fish.

Local media report the strong smell coming from the large number of dead fish is affecting the local campsite bordering the lake as well as walkers in the area.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.