Fleeing hare coursers leave dog behind in field

The animal was "more than happy" to jump into the back of a warm police car, said PC Jake Spruce

Suspected hare coursers operating in the Rutland countryside fled in such a hurry they left a dog behind.

Two 999 calls alerted Leicestershire Police officers to reports of illegal hunting on farmland on Sunday afternoon.

Police constables Rebecca Angel and Jake Spruce attended the scene, but the suspects fled to the far end of the site and evaded officers.

A female greyhound-type dog was left behind and has been taken into care by the force.

PC Spruce said: "PC Angel and I responded and were on the scene in minutes.

"Unfortunately, although the offenders were still in the fields when we arrived, they managed to make good their escape.

"However, they left behind their dog, which I am sure they will miss.

"She was really happy to jump up into the nice warm and comfy police car of her own accord when I opened the door."

The police added she had been "fed and watered" and would be cared for - and not returned to her previous owners.

PC Spruce added: "We would have loved to have caught the offenders, hopefully next time.

"It's worth remembering that they have to be lucky every time they go out and commit this offence, we only have to get lucky once."