VILLAGERS have been issued with advice from police following reports of offenders shooting animals.

Cheshire Police says it has received intelligence in the Burtonwood and Winwick areas of animals being shot at and hare coursing.

Hare coursing is the ‘sport’ of hunting hares with greyhounds using sight rather than scent.

The practice is illegal in the UK, and anyone caught doing so faces an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.

The force’s Burtonwood and Winwick Police team said: “We have had a few messages recently regarding rural crime in the area such as possible hare coursing and shooting animals

“I have made our Rural Crime Team aware who are out and about in the area.

“Officers have asked that if you see anything, particularly during the night, call it in on 999 and advise that rural crime have asked for this.

“If ringing with any information, call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111 anonymously. Let us help put a stop to this.”