A shoal of vicious piranha fish has been sited in Hatchet Pond and pet dogs have been reported missing in the area. Traditionally native to South America, the presence of these notoriously aggressive carnivorous fish in New Forest waters has alarmed Hampshire County Council.

The Council has responded decisively to the threat to the Hatchet Pond ecosystem, with pond-side posters warning of the safety hazard. In addition, a team of specialist Piranha Rangers has been appointed, to patrol the pond perimeter 24/7 armed with binoculars, large nets, reinforced waders and gloves.

Forestry England has rejected proposals to release a crocodile in Hatchet Pond to cull the piranha population, pending the results of a feasibility study.

Members of the public are warned not to paddle in Hatchet Pond or allow children or pets to enter the water until further notice.

Local businesses are already capitalising on the piranha threat: T-shirts are for sale in Lymington souvenir shops with the slogan ‘I survived a New Forest piranha attack’ and local chippies have added ‘tasty piranha bites’ to their menus.