Police on the trail of river poachers

Describing them as criminals, Sergeant David Larmour, told the Times this week that the poachers were coming to the rivers well prepared with nets and other devices and were determined to take as many fish as possible under the cover of darkness.

The rivers targeted include the Margy, Glenshesk, Dall, Dun and Glenariff and according to Sergeant Larmour the poachers are not necessarily locals, but could be coming some distance in a bid to catch salmon and trout.

"We have had numerous complaints and were are now working with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure as well as bailiffs to see if we can stop this sort of thing happening," Sergeant Larmour said.

Police had a meeting with representatives of DCAL on Monday to discuss the situation.

Already, however, officers from the PSNI have been carrying out searches along the banks of the various rivers in the early hours of the mornings to try and locate illegal nets, etc.

"We are giving this some priority and we hope this serves as a warning that we are determined to catch these poachers who are spoiling the fishing of the many legal anglers in the area," Sergeant Larmour added.

"Poaching isn't new, but this latest wave of illegal activity appears to be a more concerted effort."

Poaching has also been reported on stretches of the River Bush by local anglers.