Teams from the Environment Agency have tackled both man-made and natural problems in county rivers this week.

An investigation is underway by the Environment Agency after a 30 metre net was illegally strung across the River Wye, killing a number of large fish.

The net was removed by a team on Tuesday, June 26 and environment chiefs are now looking for those responsible.

The net, which was placed around a mile downstream from Bridge Sollars, caused the deaths of a number of large fish.

A salmon over one metre long was killed, as well as a number of barbell and shad, which is a protected species.

Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “We have had reports of other nets in the area which are investigating.

“We are appealing to people if they see anything suspicious or if they have any information about this incident, to call the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060.”

He added: “It is illegal to net fish. We are keen to find out who did it.”

Teams also had to rescue over 130 salmon and trout from the River Teme upstream of Leintwardine after rising temperatures caused the river to run dry.