Protesters gathered outside Dorchester Police Station to call for a tougher stance to be taken on allegations of illegal foxhunting.

Around 30 individuals and families gathered on Sunday, lining up along pavement outside the police station bearing placards.

The protest was in response to what campaigners claim is a lack of action generally from the police, but it also follows allegations that a fox was illegally killed during a hunt meeting near Sturminster Newton on January 2.

It has emerged that police will be taking no further action as an investigation revealed there was insufficient evidence.

During the protest at the weekend, chants were amplified via a megaphone, with several passing motorists beeping their horns and waving their apparent support for the demonstration.

A police officer stood on duty and appeared to be relaxed whilst chatting with members of the group.

But despite the overall atmosphere being calm, zero punches were pulled when it came to discussing the reasons for the protest.

Mother and daughter Anne and Cassie Simons said they travelled from Poole to attend.

Anne Simons said: "We're protesting outside the police station because police do nothing when illegal hunting is reported.

"Whenever the police are called it's always the same, nobody gets arrested.

"If a group of council estate lads with Staffies were reported to be out on motorbikes chasing foxes, you can guarantee they'd end up facing criminal charges - but people who attend hunts are upper class and on horseback with quad bikes, so nothing gets done".

Emma Christoforakis, who helped organise the protest along with husband Dimitri, was dressed in a fox suit, accompanied by their sons Dias, six, and Antonios, four.

She said: "We are asking Dorset Police to give due consideration to the evidence presented by hunt sabs, and take reports of foxhunting seriously".

Mrs Christoforakis added that she believes her family had been targeted as a result of their stance against hunting.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "We were notified of a planned protest that occurred on Sunday January 13 outside Dorchester police station, in relation to fox hunting.

"In line with any planned protest, the local neighbourhood policing team liaised with organisers to ensure it was facilitated peacefully and lawfully.

"Dorset Police has a duty to remain impartial and ensure lawful and peaceful activity is upheld by both sides of the hunt.

"We have liaison officers who regularly speak with both parties and will continue to do so ensuring fairness and impartiality.

"We wish to be clear that we will investigate any alleged breaches of the Hunting Act 2004 and other legislation and work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine if a case could be taken to court.

"Hunting mammals with dogs has been illegal since 2004. A few, very specific, exemptions apply.

"We would urge anyone with clear evidence of such offending to please report it to us.

"We do find that many of the reports posted on social media are not referred to us and without this happening we have no ability to investigate. In addition, the posting of images onto social media may have the potential to negatively impact on any subsequent court process."

"Anyone wishing to report a crime or breach of the Hunting Act should contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org".