The incident was reported to Councillor David Hennigan, who independently represents the Central Sutton and New Cross area on Ashfield District Council. He has described the attack as "barbaric", and believes there may have been more witnesses who could come forward to assist with investigations. "This was a cruel end to this fish's life," he said. "It is abhorrent and frankly a massive concern that anybody is willing to inflict this on our fish. "The lads [allegedly] took photos of the fish as it lay dying. I would like to see these sick individuals caught and for them to pay the consequences.