Police raise hare coursing concerns after a worries livestock could escape into rural areas in the High Wycombe area.

Officers have asked locals that if they see any 4x4 roaming fields late at night to report it.

This comes after reports that courses are cutting padlocks to gates to gain entry into fields.

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This has left a risk of livestock escaping into rural areas where it would be hard to re-gather them back up.

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

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Hare coursing Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for livestock to escape in rural areas after coursers have cut padlocks to gates.

"Have you seen lights in a field after dusk, 4x4's driving onto or off a field or even through a hedge?

"Please report on 999."

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