POLICE investigating reports of poaching on the River Allen found tackle stuck in branches during patrols.

Wildlife crime officer PC Joel Brooks has now warned those fishing illegally that they will be dealt with "robustly" if they are caught.

He said: "The Allen is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, giving it special protection. It is a wild trout fishery given over to indigenous species only.

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"It is home to the endangered white clawed crayfish, otters, protected grey heron swans and kingfishers. It is a pure chalk stream from source to mouth with some of the cleanest water in England."

He urged fisheries and fishing clubs with concerns to report any illegal activity to police.