POACHERS were spotted illegally fishing on the river Severn in Worcester.

The Environment Agency said illegal fishing was taking place along the banks of the Severn on Monday, May 29.

Despite the incident being reported, there were no officers in the area to attend the incident.

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A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We can confirm that the incident of illegal fishing on the River Severn on Monday, May 29 was reported to the Environment Agency. 

"Unfortunately, on this occasion, we did not have fisheries enforcement officers available in the area who were able to attend.

“However, we use such intelligence to inform our future fisheries enforcement work and ask that anyone with information about illegal fishing activities to contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot spots and where illegal fishing is reported.

We have also contacted West Mercia police for more information.

The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust.

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According to the Environment Agency, any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish.

A single-day licence costs £6, and an annual licence currently costs just £30, with junior licences free for 13-16-year-olds.

Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.