Six arrested following suspected illegal hare coursing incident

Six people were arrested following a suspected illegal hare coursing incident near Itchen Abbas.

We were called at 8.45pm on Wednesday 18 January to reports of men with dogs on private land off Northington Road near Itchen Abbas.

Local officers from Winchester, assisted by Country Watch officers and other specialist units, attended the scene.

The men using vehicles and dogs were located using thermal cameras along with helicopter assistance.

On trying to leave the land, one police vehicle was rammed, however the two occupants were detained while the other vehicle made off towards Southampton, followed by police with air support.

This second vehicle was later intercepted on Burgess Road in Southampton where a further four men were arrested. In total five dogs and two vehicles were seized along with suspected poaching equipment.

A 39-year-old male from Netley was arrested on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment and assault of an emergency worker.

A 19-year-old male from Netley was arrested on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment.

A 17-year-old male from Netley was arrested on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment.

A 34-year-old male from Botley was arrested on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment and causing danger to road users.

A 26-year-old male from Hedge End was arrested on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment and causing danger to road users.

A 36-year-old male from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of entering land as a trespasser with poaching equipment.

The men have been released on police bail until April 18.