A FAMILY is in shock after thieves broke into their back garden and stole a treasured koi carp worth around £350.

Support worker Steven Duffy, of Acacia Avenue, Greenstead, had been nurturing the three-foot long carp for nearly four years until it was taken from his pond, some time between Tuesday and Friday last week.

The fish, which belonged to Mr Duffy's 14-year-old son Anthony, a Sir Charles Lucas College pupil, was the largest of about 20 kept in their back garden pond.

Mr Duffy said someone must have scaled the six foot wall at the back of the garden of the house, which he also shares with his 16-year-old daughter Sarah, just to get at the carp, which was his "pride and joy".

"Someone came into my back garden and they took one of my big koi carp," he said. "I'm just so angry.

"My son was very upset as well when I told him. I just feel that if they can do it to me they will do it to someone else.

"I still can't believe she's gone and I just hope I get her back. She's worth about £350. Why did they do it?"

A police spokesman said they were investigating the incident.

Anyone with information should call Colchester police on 0300 333 4444.