jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk

Investigators hope to close the net on illegal fishing in the River Darent after setting up a joint operation.

Last week, Kent Police and the Environment Agency made spot checks along the river, which runs between Dartford and Chipstead, Sevenoaks, to check for wrongdoing.

The operation was carried out following complaints from local angling clubs and residents.

One fishing rod was seized and some people were caught fishing without a licence.

DC Daphne Allen, of the Rural Partnership Team of Kent Police, said: "We have checked people fishing in this area after concerns were raised and for the most part we witnessed people enjoying the river and fishing legally."

Steve Smith, Environment Agency Fisheries and Biodiversity officer, added: "We are committed to working with our partners to stop illegal fishing and we encourage anglers to report any suspicious activity to our Incident Hotline on 0800 807060."

Mr Smith warned that anyone caught fishing illegally could face prosecution.

A rod licence costs £3.75 for one day and £72 for a full season's salmon and sea trout fishing.

The money raised is used by the Environment Agency to maintain lakes and rivers.