Woman spots terrapin by the Kennet and Avon Canal in Newbury town centre

A WOMAN was shocked to see a terrapin by the Kennet and Avon Canal in Victoria Park, Newbury.

Bridget Tucker, from nearby Lime View, said: "I was most surprised to see a terrapin on the stones at the side of the canal just after the A399 bridge, just before the bridge by the sluice gates.

"At first I thought it was maybe a joke as I have not heard of terrapins in the canal before, but on closer inspection I realised it was real.

"A passer by told me they have a vicious bite and to keep my dog away from it.

"I gather they are not native to this country and do large damage to the ecology of the canal so should not really be there.

"I have been walking up and down the canal for about 15 years and never seen one before.

"I wonder if there are are many living in the canal and if any efforts are in force to remove them?"

Have you seen a terrapin in the canal? Email newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk