Six men have been arrested on suspicion of hare coursing following a high-speed car chase with Wiltshire police in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, February 3).
At around 2:30a.m today, Wiltshire police spotted two vehicles on Hackpen Hill, both of which fled the scene when the officers attempted to stop them; a pursuit was then authorised.
The fleeing cars reached speeds of 90m/h and used high-powered lamps from the rear of the vehicles in an attempt to blind the officers. At one point, according to the statement on Wiltshire Police’s website, the cars went the wrong way around a roundabout, before heading along the A4 towards Calne.
Officers lost sight of the vehicles along a byway near Yatesbury, but contained the area and relocated the vehicles in Broad Hinton, where they attempted to reverse-ram a police vehicle.
The occupants of the vehicles decamped near Hay Lane with their dogs, and, with assistance of a police helicopter, were found hiding in a field.
They were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop and hare coursing. The men, in their twenties and early thirties, are in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing.
The dogs and both vehicles have also been seized.
Commenting on the arrests, Superintendent Phil Staynings said:
“Once again, this is an excellent example of officers across the county and the National Police Air Service working closely together to locate individuals suspected of hare coursing, despite attempts to evade police.
“The manner of driving during the pursuit was extremely dangerous – it is fortunate that this incident happened in the early hours of the morning when the roads were relatively clear.
“I’m really pleased that the persistence of our officers paid off, and we now have six individuals in custody arrested on suspicion of hare coursing, dangerous driving and failing to stop.
“We continue to crack down on hare coursing in Wiltshire and our rural crime team is continuing to work closely with local officers to ensure we respond quickly and effectively to any reports of suspicious behaviour.
“Our message remains clear – if we suspect anyone of hare coursing in Wiltshire, we will act swiftly and efficiently.”
