SOMETHING fishy was amiss at an Ipswich shopping centre where an odd-looking customer was found.Tower Ramparts staff were mystified when the latest visitor to splash out was not a shopper – but a goldfish.

SOMETHING fishy was amiss at an Ipswich shopping centre where an odd-looking customer was found.

Tower Ramparts staff were mystified when the latest visitor to splash out was not a shopper – but a goldfish.

The pet – one of the strangest items to be left at the centre – was found by cleaner Lisa Poulter on the staircase outside the public toilets on Wednesday afternoon.

Saved from possibly a messy end, security staff renamed it Paper Clip – after the container it was found in – and given a temporary home.

Recalling the weird discovery Centre manager Mike Sorhaindo, appealed for the owner to come forward and said: "Staff were called to the Evening Star kiosk where a lost infant was supposed to be waiting.

"When the officer arrived he was surprised to find the urgent call was placed not for a lost infant, but a GOLDFISH."

Efforts were made to see if anyone recognised the golden boy, but it soon became clear that the owners were unaware they were missing a family member.

"Trained in the town wide safe child scheme – aimed at dealing with children who are sometimes separated from their parents – staff made the lost fish feel comfortable and gave it reassurance that he would be reunited soon," said Mr Sorhaindo.

"Hours passed and the goldfish was clearly unsettled. Staff immediately became attached to Paper Clip and have given him a temporary home."

Paper clip was transferred from the leaky plastic container he was found in to a big bowl donated by Tower Florists.

"It has obviously been left by a shopper but it is just surprising that no one has thought they have come in with a fish and not left without it," said Mr Sorhaindo.

"Perhaps it was being brought into town to see a vet, we just don't know. But if the owner doesn't claim him we are quite happy to adopt him.

"We have had clothing, walking sticks and toys left here before but this is certainly the most unusual item lost in the history of the centre."

Anyone who has lost the fish or can help reunite Paper Clip can contact Mike Sorhaindo at the centre on Ipswich 226386.