Ananova:

Officers from the Irish cross-border fisheries agency have been physically attacked and intimidated while trying to stamp out the lucrative trade in salmon poaching.

Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers (SDLP, Upper Bann) told the Assembly that River Watchers working for the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission were recently attacked by a gang of poachers in Co Tyrone.

Responding to a question from Jim Wilson (UUP, South Antrim) at the fisheries sector of the North/South Ministerial Council, she said that the police were currently investigating the incident.

"Two of the Agency's River Watchers were attacked by a group of men carrying out their duties in the Sion Mills area and the Lough Agency fully supported the officers and asked the police to investigate," she said.

Mrs Rodgers commended the bravery of the river inspectors in doing "a very difficult job".

She singled out one officer who testified in court despite being threatened by one group of poachers.