A MAN from Tadley has been arrested on suspicion of hare coursing, after being spotted with others in fields in Berkshire.

The 33-year-old was one of five people arrested on suspicion of hare coursing and released on bail by Thames Valley Police.

He was also arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in public.

Hare coursing is an illegal competitive sport where dogs are used to chase hares.

A gamekeeper reported seeing a group of men in his fields in West Ilsley near Newbury, at 3.25pm on Sunday, October 26.

A 43-year-old man from Newport, a 34-year-old man from Reading, the 33-year-old man from Tadley, a 33-year-old man from Southampton and a 13-year-old boy, also from Southampton, were arrested on suspicion of hare coursing, under the Hunting Act.

The 34-year-old man from Reading was also arrested on suspicion of driving without insurance.

All the men have been released on bail until December 2, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about illegal hunting or hare coursing is asked to contact the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.