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Six arrested on suspicion of poaching near Amesbury

SIX people have been arrested on suspicion of poaching near Amesbury.

Five men aged between 18 and 44 were arrested on suspicion of trespass on land at night and take/destroy rabbits after an incident at around 8.30pm on Wednesday night (January 29).

They have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A 14-year-old boy was also arrested at the scene but given his age, will be interviewed on another date, Wiltshire Police said.

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Inspector Andy Lemon added: “We take reports of poaching incredibly seriously. Some people travel long distances to poach, but they are trespassing on land and cause damage to do so.

“At around 8.30pm last night we received reports of a number of men in camouflage clothing with dogs in a field near the A303 at Cholderton. Local officers, dog team and drone team managed to track the men down and arrest them.

“We would urge anyone who witnesses a wildlife crime to contact us immediately on 999. We have specially trained wildlife officers who can investigate, and we work closely with partner agencies to investigate, prevent and tackle these offences.”