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A fisherman has been mugged at knife-point – three miles out at sea.

Police have reported that a man was fishing in the channel off Slapton Sands when two men in an inflatable boat approached his vessel, threatened him with a knife, cut his nets and stole the fish he’d caught.

Other details are scarce at present but officers have urged people not to be tempted to buy fish on the black market as it may well be the result of crime.

A Kingsbridge police spokesman said: “This morning at about 5.30am a local fisherman was threatened three miles out to sea off Slapton Sands by two men in a white inflatable.

“They had cut his nets and stolen the fish. He was threatened with a knife.

“Please don't buy any fish from unreputable sources.”

Fish and tackle thefts are becoming an increasing concern for the fishing community.

(Image: Devon Live)

The Angling Trust said it is aware of a “massive rise” in instances of tackle theft.

And in 2015 it claimed Britain’s rivers are becoming a hotbed of crime as organised gangs steal fish on a huge scale.

A statement on the Trust’s website said: “Protecting fish and fisheries from poachers and fish thieves, and increasing rod licence compliance has to be of great importance to all anglers.”

If you have any information about the incident of Slapton Sands please call 101 quoting Log 0267 of June 24.