20 Koi stolen from Somerset pond

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A pondkeeper returned from holiday to find his collection of Japanese Koi had disappeared.

Ray Ricards, from Farmborough, had 20 fish, all between 60–90cm/24–36in in length. They were valued at an estimated £25,000.

Mr Ricards has been keeping fish for 40 years. It's thought the pond was deliberately targeted by thieves who knew it was there.

He told Bath Chronicle: "I kept them as pets really and each one had its own name. They represented something in life. It's not the value of them that I care about. They were my fish."

Mr Ricards has reported the theft to the police and he is also offering a reward for the safe return of the fish.

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