FOUR people have been arrested following reports of poaching near Upton Grey.

Police were called just after 9pm on Thursday, January 6, to reports that a vehicle had been spotted acting suspiciously on Bidden Road near Upton Grey.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said officers who attended the scene found catapults, ball bearings and head torches after conducting a search of the local area.

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The spokesperson added: “Officers also found a quantity of dried blood and what appeared to be pheasant feathers inside a vehicle.

“Four men were arrested at the scene.”

They are aged 36, 35, 30 and 18. The two people aged 36 and 18 are from Carshalton. The other two are from Mitcham and Hersham.

There were arrested on suspicion of trespassing on land at night and taking/destroying game.

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Police said all four remain in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

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Kimberley Barber