Further arrests in illegal fox-hunting probe

The arrests were made as part of an illegal fox-hunting investigation (stock image)

A further five arrests have been made as part of an investigation into illegal fox-hunting.

It follows an incident which is believed to have happened during a meet involving the Coniston Foxhounds in Ambleside on 8 November, Cumbria Police said.

Seven men were arrested on 13 November, with five more men arrested in the past week on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

All 12 men have been bailed while officers continue to investigate, the force said.

One of the men was also arrested on suspicion of possessing an unlawful firearm.

Ch Insp Lee Skelton said: "I would once again encourage anyone who has information which may assist this investigation to please make contact with us."