Swordfish catch in River Tyne 'very rare'

Swordfish are normally associated with warmer waters like the Mediterranean sea

A swordfish usually found swimming in the clear, warm waters of the Mediterranean has been caught by a surprised fisherman in the River Tyne.

The fish, which measures about 1.2m (4ft) long from the tip of its sword to its tail, was caught in salmon nets close to South Tyneside.

It has now been taken to Latimer's Fishmongers in Whitburn to be filleted.

Owner Rob Latimer believes the fish had been "chasing" mackerel or salmon down the river when it got caught.

"It must have fancied a holiday in Whitburn I think - I can't blame it," Mr Latimer said.

Swordfish are normally associated with warmer waters like the Mediterranean sea.

Chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO), Barry Deas, said: "I have never heard of this before.

"They are definitely a warm water fish, this is very rare."