Invasive catfish removed from country park lake

Wokingham Borough Council released a photograph of its countryside officer Simon Bartlam when he caught a Wels catfish in Ebro, Spain

A species of fish that could potentially grow up to 9ft (2.7m) long and "devastate local wildlife" was found to have been illegally introduced to a Berkshire fishing lake.

Wokingham Borough Council said a Wels catfish was caught by anglers at Dinton Pastures Country Park.

They reported their catch to the council and two fish were humanely removed to protect native species.

It is illegal to stock the Wels catfish and others like it without a special licence from the Environment Agency and Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).

The fish can grow up to 9ft (2.7m) long (stock image)

The council said the "top predators" could "devastate local wildlife, including swans, geese and native fish species".

"Thank you to the anglers who did the right thing - the vast majority of whom are responsible and conservation-minded - and to everyone who helps us protect Dinton's precious wildlife," a council statement said.

"We'll be keeping a close eye on things, but if you ever see anything that doesn't look right, please let one of the team know."

The Canal and River Trust said that in continental Europe, with warmer water and plenty of food, Wels catfish have been known to grow to weights of 305.7kg (674lb).