Farmland on the Mendip Hills has suffered significant damage due to illegal poaching and hare coursing.

According to the police, recently seeded crop fields have been destroyed, fences ruined, and gates have been knocked down.

A spokesperson from the Mendip Neighbourhood Policing team said: "In recent weeks, we've seen a spate of poaching and hare coursing reports that have led to substantial damage to local farmland. Criminals have destroyed freshly seeded crop fields, damaged fences, and even rammed and broken gates. Such acts against wildlife and the local land will not be tolerated."

Officers are increasing patrols in the affected areas and collaborating with landowners, local intelligence officers, and the Rural Affairs Unit to combat the issue.

The police are asking for the public's help in identifying any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Avon and Somerset Police via their website or by calling 101 or 999, depending on the urgency of the situation.