North Yorkshire arrests after badger dies in dog attack

The five men were arrested on suspicion of wilfully killing a badger, police say (stock image)

Five men have been arrested in North Yorkshire after a badger was found dead following a dog attack.

North Yorkshire Police said officers had responded to reports of suspicious activity in a field near Kilburn at about 01:00 BST on Friday.

They arrived to find the men at the side of a road and a badger being attacked by one of two dogs.

The men, from Stockton-on-Tees, fled the scene but were later arrested in a village near Thirsk, police said.

They were arrested on suspicion of wilfully killing a badger and remained in custody for questioning, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

The two dogs were taken to a secure location to be looked after and a 4x4 vehicle was seized, they added.

The force urged anyone who spotted suspicious activity in rural areas, such as high-powered torches being used in unexpected locations, to report it.