AN angler has been snapped illegally fishing in Diglis Basin.

The Canal and Rivers Trust has stressed there should be no fishing at this city location following reports of others spotted breaking the rules, with people urged to contact the authorities if they see fishermen there again.

A resident in the apartments in Diglis Dock Road said he was shocked when he looked out his window on Sunday morning, at around 7am, to see the fisherman who had camped overnight.

"He had a tent, and had spent the night there," the resident said.

"He had brought along three big rods.

"It is illegal. I wouldn't mind, but you are not far from legal spots where you can get a licence to fish at.

"I pay a lot of money for this apartment - it is not something we should be seeing.

"He had his camera and had set up a tripod taking pictures of what he caught, including a big carp.

"There are 'no fishing' signs on display, he has just ignored them."

The resident added action should be taken against illegal fisherman in the basin, especially as basins are often areas where fish spawn.

Had he been caught the fisherman risked being prosecuted, and could have been hit by a fine of up to £800.

Diglis Basin is part of the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal, owned by the Canal and River Trust that said it is the latest report it had received.

A trust spokesman said: "No fishing signs have been installed around the basin following complaints from resident boaters and boat owners.

"As there are clearly signs in place and permission hasn’t been given to fish then anyone caught fishing will be doing so illegally.

"We would urge any residents to report anyone seen fishing to Aquavista (who manage operations and enforce the rules) and any reports of antisocial behaviour to the local police.

"Marinas are perfect for spawning fish. Fish will naturally seek out areas that are wider, deeper and areas that provide cover from above.

"These areas naturally attract a lot of fish as a larger space allows for larger fish to grow too, so specimen size fish of all fish species will be present in most marinas and basins.

"Typically anglers fishing for specimen fish are looking to catch large carp and pike."

West Mercia Police did not respond to our request for comment before our deadline.