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

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 )

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.