Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Carnivorous 'piranhas' found blocking sewers in Shropshire

Severn Trent said they were 'amazed' the 'piranhas' managed to fit down a toilet, but local experts believe the fish were infact tilapia

Heather Saul
Wednesday 09 April 2014 06:09 EDT
Comments
Residents in Telford have been informed ‘fishy smells’ erupting from sewers in the area were actually thanks to the presence of sharp toothed, carnivorous piranhas.
Residents in Telford have been informed ‘fishy smells’ erupting from sewers in the area were actually thanks to the presence of sharp toothed, carnivorous piranhas. (Severn Trent )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Residents in Telford were told by Severn Trent that "fishy smells" erupting from sewers in the area were actually thanks to the presence of sharp-toothed, carnivorous piranhas.

The fish, which are known for their voracious appetites and are commonly found in slightly more tropical climates than Shropshire, had allegedly been blocking the sewers after a resident chose to dispose of the dead fish down their toilet.

However, local experts have said the dead fish are more likely to be freshwater tilapia.

Matt Final and Jay Slater, who went to investigate the blockage for Severn Trent had said after the event: “We’ve certainly seen some weird things in the sewers over the years but we were a little shocked to remove piranhas.

“You wouldn’t think a fish of this size would fit down a toilet, but this is just one example of amazing things we find blocking the sewers.”

But a spokesperson has since told the BBC: "At the end of the day, nothing like that is meant to be flushed down the toilet.

"It caused a blockage and we had to go out and clear it using bill payers' money.

"Whether it is a piranha or a freshwater fish you can buy, do not flush it down the toilet."

Severn Trent said the fish are the latest in a series of bizarre callouts, including attending sewers in Ditton Priors, near Bridgnorth, which had been blocked by piles of pants flushed down the toilet.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in