Five suspected illegal hare coursers attempted to outrun a police helicopter after officers were called to pursue their car, writes Sarah Lumley.

Police were called on Monday afternoon (November 2) to assist a Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT), which had tried to stop the five men as they were travelling along the A47 near Turves in Cambridgeshire.

But the men, driving a mud-splattered 4x4 car, ignored RCAT officers and drove away at speed, prompting a pursuit.

Fenland Police were quickly called and joined the chase with a local response team, a dog unit, and the National Police Air Service.

The five men were caught just moments later - and stopped and interviewed at the scene.

Posting about the incident on Facebook, Fenland Police wrote: "Fencops have assisted RCAT this afternoon in Turves with a hare coursing incident.

"Five people were detained with the assistance of a police helicopter.

"Two tried to outrun the helicopter across a field. You can guess who won that battle! You can't outrun a helicopter."

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A police spokesperson said: "Officers on patrol on Monday, November 2 attempted to stop a vehicle on the A47 at about 1.20pm.

"The driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued, involving the Rural Crime Action Team, local response team, the dog unit and NPAS.

"Five men were later stopped and interviewed at the scene."

Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

It was made illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004, which makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs.

Anyone convicted of the offence can receive a fine of up to £5,000 by a Magistrates' Court.