A Police investigation is underway after £30,000-worth of koi carp fish mysteriously died at a Hereford pub.

The 22 fish, who had lived in a 20ft container at the back of the Golden Lion for five years, were all found dead or close to death as landlady Paula Watson worked at the Grandstand Road pub on the night of Wednesday, August 20.

Landlord Stan Kendrick was immediately informed and he suspects sabotage and has offered hundreds of pounds to anyone with serious information.

Reward

"I don't know why anyone would want to harm the fish, but I want to know why, and this is why we will reward anyone who can explain to us just why the fish are dead," he said.

"Everyone has been left completely traumatised by this. The regulars loved them. The fish never did anyone any harm," he added.

And Ms Watson says the pub, which is also home to a number of birds including macaws, finches and cockatiels, will be a different place without the fish swimming around.

"We have the birds out the back as well, but the fish were really popular and gave the pub a special feel," she said.

"People would come in and watch them swimming around and found it very calming and peaceful."

Police spokesperson Georgie Bates said investigations are continuing into the incident.

"We shall be analysing samples of the water and of the fish to determine if this was a criminal act," she explained.