POLICE seized a vehicle containing two air rifles which was reportedly involved in hare coursing.

Officers from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team are investigating the incident, which took place shortly after 11pm on Wednesday, August 24, in a field in Purbeck.

The vehicle involved, a blue Suzuki Grand Vitara, had left the scene by the time police arrivied.

Further enquiries led to the car being located near to the Albion Inn in Station Road, Verwood, at around 8.30am on Friday, August 26.

It is believed the vehicle was registered in false details. Two air rifles were found in the boot and they were recovered by armed officers.

Rural crime officers investigating the incident have issued an image of the seized vehicle. Police are appealing for information and dashcam footage from the public.

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of the rural crime team, said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries into this matter and are keen to hear from anyone who has come across this vehicle since the evening of Wednesday, August 24, and may be able to assist with identifying the occupants.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured the vehicle on dashcam footage, travelling on the A31 from Purbeck towards East Dorset on the night of Wednesday, August 24.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the occupants exiting the vehicle near to the Albion Inn in Verwood in the time since the incident, before it was located on the morning of Friday, August 26.

“We recognise the impact of hare coursing on our rural communities and the damage that can be caused by these individuals trespassing on private land to carry out these illegal activities. We will continue to do all we can to investigate these offences and identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220138634. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

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