A RETIRED teacher has said he is 'cheesed off' after an otter killed 106 fish in his garden pond in just five days.

The hungry otter tucked into thousands of pounds worth of Koi Carp fish swimming in a garden pond on Riverview Close, St John's. 

Kieran McCarthy, who has been looking after fish in his home for 25 years, said otters are absolute 'killing machines' when you have pet fish.  

Mr McCarthy, a former teacher at Cherry Orchard Primary School, said he has contacted professionals who have given him prevention tips.

He said: "I'm cheesed off, angry and frustrated but an otter does what an otter does.

"I have spent £140 on chicken wire and I spent Friday (October 21)  in the pouring rain securing the back pond. 

"I keep two ponds, one in the back garden and another at the front.

"It was all about the otter, no matter the cost to its victims or me. They're so cute aren't they?!"

The 68-year-old said the otter made his first appearance on Thursday (October 20).

"I couldn't believe that in a built-up area, we would see an otter like this. 

"It has been six consecutive nights and you can't relocate otters because they are protected species. 

Worcester News: was a beloved Koi Carp 18inches in length was a beloved Koi Carp 18inches in length (Image: Worcester News reader)

"But it's hard to see the fish's throats being slashed or getting infected.

"The otters keep finding a way in, they are very intelligent creatures. 

"It's caused absolute havoc and I know I can't get rid of them. 

"The council told me I was lucky to have otters in my garden. 

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"But when you have fish, they are absolute killing machines.

"I've been shooing them away with my torch, but last night (Tuesday) it didn't work, he looked me in the eye and carried on. 

"He is so brave. 

Worcester News: Five out of 15 Koi have survived so far (attacks still occurring) although they are badly injured Five out of 15 Koi have survived so far (attacks still occurring) although they are badly injured (Image: Worcester News Reader)

"He comes into the garden between 8.30pm and 5am. 

"He doesn't follow a schedule or a set diet, but he'll be disappointed today (Wednesday) because I've emptied the front pond and I've secured the back pond the best I can.

"I have had pet fish for years and they're hard work and they are very expensive to keep. 

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"I can't go through all of this again. 

"It has been a hobby for years

"I can't go out to spend that type of money. 

"It's just soul-destroying, I don't blame the otters, what they are doing is part of nature.

"One fish has become infected and it will spread.

"I'm going to have to find something else to do now."