STOCKBRIDGE police are receiving increasing reports of illegal hare coarsing taking place in the district.

Two recent incidents at Leckford and Broughton, involving a Subaru estate car and reported by local residents, could involve the same gang.

A police spokesman said: "We are getting quite a few incidents of hare coursing in this area. The crops are low at the moment but men and dogs running across the fields do cause a lot of damage and once the dogs are let go, they are not under control and with lambing in full swing they are a danger."

The advice to members of the public is to report any incident where they suspect it is taking place to the police.

The official advice is not to approach the gangs but to get as much information as possible on the number of men and dogs, vehicles and registration numbers involved. Contact Hamp-shire police on 0845 045 45 45.