POLICE are appealing for witnesses after four men were arrested and a suspected gun was seized following an armed police pursuit in Dorset - amid reports of alleged poaching

Police said that at 8.59pm on Friday July 30, Dorset police received a report that somebody was driving a silver 4x4 type vehicle in fields in the rural area near Blandford targeting hares and damaging property.

Officers attended, including armed response units, as well as the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter.

It was reported that the car was followed by officers and a number of men attempted to make off by leaving the vehicle.

Following a search, four men – a 27-year-old from Basildon, a 24-year-old from Romford, a 21-year-old from the Cambridge area and a 19-year-old from Essex – were arrested in relation to the incident and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Two dogs were seized as well as a vehicle with its contents and a suspected air rifle.

Officers investigating the alleged poaching incident are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about this incident to please come forward.

“Our team has been in the area to conduct reassurance patrols and engage with the rural community. Officers from the response units have been briefed about the incident and will continue to proactively patrol the area.

“Dorset Police takes reports of rural crime seriously and we would urge anyone who witnesses suspected poaching in progress to contact Dorset Police on 999.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210122794. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.