Two men arrested on suspicion of wildlife offences in the Forest of Dean

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of wildlife offences in the Forest of Dean after being found by police close to the body of a dead boar.

Officers on patrol near Yorkley had spotted a 4x4 Jeep parked on a forest track at around 2am this morning, Tuesday 31 December.

The car was unoccupied but there were two dogs and equipment associated with wildlife crime inside.

After a search of the area, two men were found close to the body of a boar.

Officers arrested a 33-year-old man from West Yorkshire and a 52-year-old man from Kent on suspicion of wildlife offences, possession of a bladed article and possession of a Class B drug.

They remain in police custody at this time while enquiries continue. The vehicle, dogs and equipment were all seized by officers.

Sergeant Sam Swinford, from the Rural Crime Team, said: “Wildlife crime has a huge impact on our rural communities, which our officers take very seriously.

“We hope that this robust action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate anyone visiting the Forest of Dean to commit these offences.”