Two men have been detained by police over hare coursing offences.

South Rural Task Force detained two men in West Lancashire area yesterday (Thursday 7 March). Hare coursing is an illegal activity where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

Officers said they were alerted by local farmers in Rufford who reported suspicious activity. Officers attended the Sandy Way area and stopped a silver Honda.

Following a search, a number of items, including thermal imaging scopes, a hunting whistle and trackers were discovered.

The items and the vehicle have been seized under the hunting act and investigations are ongoing.

Two men, who are aged 27 and 53 who are both from Ireland, have been summonsed to attend court at a date for wildlife offences.

Operation Galileo is a national operation to tackle hare coursing and poaching co-ordinated by The National Wildlife Crime Unit.