Police have launched patrols in the Ellisfield area after reports of pheasants being shot with catapults by poachers.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Basingstoke Rural division were patrolling the area overnight after being called out shortly before 5pm yesterday (Friday).

They had received reports of poachers in a copse behind a property in Ellisfield.

After a thorough search, they could not find anyone, but are now looking for a dark green Toyota Rav4 they believe may have been involved.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called out at 4.43pm yesterday afternoon (17 September) following reports of poachers in a copse behind a property in Ellisfield.

"Officers conducted a thorough search of the area but did not locate anyone in the area.

"Were you in the area at the time? Did you see what happened? Perhaps you had seen a dark green Toyota Rav4 close by?

"Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 101, quoting 44210374348."