An illegal fishing spear branded "brutal" by the Environment Agency has been seized.

The 1.5m long homemade instrument, which was found at a fishery near Canterbury, would have been used by poachers to stab fish.

It was spotted by an angler from a fishing club, who handed it in to the Environment Agency in Canterbury.

Concerns were raised about the safety of fish in the area, which are especially vulnerable at this time of year because they need to swim close to river banks to lay eggs.

The Environment Agency said killing spawning fish could harm fish populations, as it reduces the number of young fish that will hatch later this year.

Fisheries Technical Officer Steve Smith said: "This is an illegal and unsustainable way of fishing, which would have a significant impact on the local wildlife.

"It’s great that we managed to seize this homemade spear to prevent further damage being done.”

Spears are banned under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, which also makes it an offence for anyone to have a spear if they are intending to use it to take or kill salmon, trout, or freshwater fish.