ILLEGAL anglers in Hampshire are being targeted by Environment Agency bosses over the May Day bank holiday in a crackdown on people fishing without a valid licence.

The net will be closing in on people who fish illegally as enforcement teams step up their regular checks on waters across the region.

Rob Waring, Environment Agency fisheries team leader for Hampshire ,said: "Anglers must ensure they have a valid licence before they start fishing or face the prospect of prosecution.

"Fishing without a licence is an offence and anyone caught fishing illegally can expect to face tough penalties."