POLICE have said there will be no further action following an investigation into claims a fox was killed during an illegal hunt in Dorset.

It had been reported that a fox had been killed during a hunt near Sturminster Newton on January 2.

The League Against Cruel Sports said that a fox was "chased" by hunting hounds under the control of the Portman Hunt. It had been claimed the killing of the fox was witnessed by hunt saboteurs.

Dorset Police said following the allegation, an investigation was carried out and there was “insufficient evidence to take further action”.

A spokesperson said: “We wish to be clear that we will investigate any alleged breaches of the Hunting Act 2004 and other legislation and work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine if a case could be taken to court.

“Hunting mammals with dogs has been illegal since 2004. A few, very specific, exemptions apply.”

Dorset Police said that anyone with “clear evidence” of such offending, should report it to them.

The spokesperson added: "We do find that many of the reports posted on social media are not referred to us and without this happening we have no ability to investigate. In addition, the posting of images onto social media may have the potential to negatively impact on any subsequent court process. “