A teenage angler amazed his fellow fishermen by landing a 3lb carnivorous piranha from a pond in Greater Manchester.Josh Boyle, 14, was fishing with friends in Reddish Vale, Stockport, when he hooked the fearsome creature.
He returned the fish, which are usually found in rivers in South America, to the water but later found it dead.
Wildlife experts believe the red-bellied piranha was a pet which was dumped when it outgrew its tank.
Precautionary measure
Josh, who had a photograph taken of the fish he landed in August to prove he was telling the truth, said: "I was shocked - but it was as shocked as me.
"It had big teeth but it wasn't trying to bite me and it looked pretty weak."
However, as a precautionary measure Josh held it in a tea-towel just to make sure.
And it seems his actions were wise, for piranhas can strip through six inches (15cm) of flesh in one go and in South America their teeth are used to make weapons.
Despite much consternation from his mother, the youngster said the experience has now left him wanting piranhas for the family home.
"I want to get some piranhas as pets but my mum won't let me," he said.
