Two men have been arrested for multiple offences after allegedly planning to use dogs to chase a hare in Wiltshire.

At around 12.30pm on Tuesday, December 5, two men were spotted exiting a black Mini in the East Town area of Steeple Ashton, near Trowbridge, with two dogs.

The pair, aged in their 30s and 40s, were then reportedly seen acting suspiciously on private land and were later stopped by police.

They were arrested on suspicion of daytime trespass in search or pursuit of game, going equipped to trespass with the intention to hare course and the intention of using a dog to search or pursue a hare.

One of the men was also further arrested in relation to a previous hunting offence near Box on October 13.

They were both released on bail after interview, while enquiries continue.

PC Marc Jackson, of the force’s Rural Crime Team, said: “At this time of year, we see an increase in hare coursing and poaching activity across the county. 

“As part of our commitment to tackling hare coursing, Wiltshire Police has signed up to Operation Galileo which is a national operation to disrupt this type of activity, and we work closely with other police forces around the country to share information and intelligence on offenders who cause greatest harm to our rural communities.

“We are also working closely with those who live and work in our rural communities to continue to share information to allow us to stamp down on hare coursers and other associated crimes.”