Eagle-eyed rural volunteers praised after helping to thwart pair of suspected poachers

Eagle-eyed volunteers have been praised after they helped thwart a pair of suspected poachers.

Northumbria Police’s rural crime volunteers were patrolling Tynedale last week as part of a two-night-long dedicated operation which had been planned following reports of poaching in the area.

The operation resulted in a total of 12 vehicles being stopped, including one that was spotted on farm land.

The vehicle was searched and a high-powered lamp – typical of those used to stun animals during poaching trips – was seized. Two male suspects were subsequently reported for being concerned in poaching and will be summoned to court.