A CONCERNED resident who believes a wild fox was killed after hearing a startling gunshot has warned “no one is safe”.

Essex Police officers were called to Oliver’s Lane, in Colchester, at about 12pm on February 7 following concerns for the welfare of an animal.

The reports suggested the incident was linked to a hunt which is said to have been travelling through the area at the time.

The force’s officers subsequently attended the scene but no animal was located so no further action was taken.

One resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, said she believes the animal was attacked by a group of hunters, although this has not been confirmed.

She said: “We heard hunting and saw people going through the woods and then it became apparent there were lot of dogs and they were in a frenzy.

“We did not see it, but there was a scream from what I assume was a fox and then a gunshot and then it went quiet before the dogs started up again.

“They told us they were only trail hunting but my blood was boiling. The law needs strengthening because no one is safe.”