A MAN was arrested and had his vehicle seized after officers responded to reports of hare coursing in Abberton.

Essex Police's Rural Crime Team and Colchester Local Policing Team visited the village on Thursday following up on information from the public about hare coursing in the area.

A man was arrested and has been reported for offences under the Game Act of 1831.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Using a more recent piece of legislation his vehicle was seized due to offences he was committing under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

"The attending officers want to thank the eagle-eyed members of the public for their confidence in reporting this quickly to Essex Police."

Hare coursing is the pursuit of hares with greyhounds and other sighthounds, which chase the hare by sight, not by scent. It is illegal in the UK.

If you witness hare coursing or any other rural crime it can be reported via 101 or online at www.essexpolice.co.uk.