A stream of oil flowed into the Naxxar part of the scenic Mosta valley early yesterday morning, possibly from a nearby industrial building.

The tar-like substance, which gave off a heavy smell of oil, merged with muddied rainwater to create a watercourse spanning a long stretch of the valley.

Passer-by Marcus Camilleri took footage of the spill and uploaded a series of videos on YouTube entitled “Dumping of oil Mosta/Malta – shameless”.

He also alerted the Naxxar police station which sent a mobile squad on the scene within less than five minutes, to begin investigating.

Later in the afternoon, the oil began to be removed by personnel in reflective uniforms and most of the spill was cleaned up, even though some puddles could still be seen in the evening.

In some parts of the valley, water had evaporated leaving the rocks coated with the thick oil.

The case is being looked into by inspector Elton Taliana but the police’s media unit was not able to give any information about the case when contacted yesterday.

The site is situated just below a quarry in the Mosta valley, close to the premises of a construction company.