TWO teenagers have been arrested after a number of alleged hare coursing incidents in the Tetbury and Dursley area. 

A 19-year-old man from Devon and a 17-year-old boy from Weston-Super-Mare were arrested on suspicion of hunting a wild mammal with dogs, police say. 

They have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Officers said they received numerous reports from the farming communities that they had seen a spate of incidents.

In response to the calls, officers from the Rural Crime Team targeted the area overnight on Tuesday, September 24.

The pair were then arrested on suspicion of offences under the Hunting Act 2004.

Hare coursing is an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

According to police, it is also associated with a range of other criminal activities, including theft, criminal damage, violence and intimidation.

Sergeant Sam Swinford, from the Rural Crime Team, urged members of the public to come forward to tell police of any incidents so that officers can take the appropriate action.

She said: "I would like to thank the farmers and other members of the public for the information that led to these arrests. 

“It's very satisfying that the poacher blocks are having the desired effect and helping us to target wildlife crime and preventing crop damage.

"We continue to urge the public to report offences like this to us as gathering intelligence helps us stop criminals in their tracks. 

“Wildlife law can be complicated and we would rather you contacted us and we investigate, than not hear from you."