²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Police have tackled two incidents of hare coursing in Hampshire which led to an arrest.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the first incident took place at 6.10pm on Thursday (September 21) to reports a man was hare coursing with a lurcher dog in the village of Clanfield.

See also: 50 bales of hay 'slashed' as police investigate criminal damage on Staffordshire farm

Officers said the man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs under legislation in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

He remains in custody while police make further enquiries.

See also: GPS in value of £10,000 stolen from Staffordshire farm

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they received a second report of hare coursing at 10.53pm when a vehicle had trespassed on land in the Woodmancott area of Winchester.

The vehicle had failed to stop when traced by a dog unit which resulted in a police chase.

See also: Police recover £500,000 worth of plant machinery from Warwickshire

Officers said the vehicle was found on its roof in the Cliddesden area along with a lurcher dog and suspected cannabis.

Despite the occupants leaving the area prior to the police's arrival, a dead hare was found next to the vehicle which was seized along with the drugs.

Police said enquiries remain ongoing.

See also: Northumberland farmer receives compensation after dumped asbestos costs over £32,000 to clean-up