AVON and Somerset Police have deployed a drone following "numerous reports" of suspected hare coursing in the West Somerset area.

A spokesperson said that the suspected culprits have been operating in the areas between Kilton, near Williton, and Stogursey.

The drone was sent up in response to the reported activity in recent weeks.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson for the West Somerset area said: "We have taken numerous reports of suspected hare coursing in the areas between Kilton and Stogursey over the past couple of weeks.

"In response to that, we utilised our drone searching for any potential suspects in the fields during hours of darkness."

Hare coursing involves chasing hares with greyhounds and other sight hounds, which chase the hare by sight, not by scent.