AN operation targeting illegal fishing gangs and unlicensed anglers has reeled in a successful catch with the help of Alcester police.

As part of Operation Leviathan, officers from Alcester North safer neighbourhood teams assisted Environmental Agency officers as they swooped in on Earlswood Lakes and netted five people for fishing without a rod licence and one for fishing with more rods than their licence permitted. All six will appear in court.

A rod licence only permits the use of two rods and anyone wishing to fish with more than this is required to purchase an additional licence.

Two further people were stopped and searched for drugs but none was found.

Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police and partners launched the initiative to raise awareness of fish theft, illegal angling and anti-social behaviour around waterways.

The operation took place on Friday, September 9.