Police have issued a stark warning after being made aware of three suspected hare coursing incidents across the Rochford area.

The latest, which was reported on Sunday, happened in Great Wakering.

It follows two recent reports in April in both Canewdon and Gusted Hall Woods, Hockley.

Hare coursing involves the animals being hunted with greyhounds and other sighthounds.

Essex Police, who are appealing for help in stopping this illegal activity, have warned it causes damage to farmland and crops, not to mention the distress and harm to wildlife.

The team have now issued advice on how you can spot the signs to help stamp out such cruel behaviour.

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A spokesperson from the force, said: "Help us stop this activity in our community, if you suspect hare coursing or have seen the signs (e.g. vehicles parked by farmland, men on foot with multiple dogs) then please call us on 999 with any information you may have, such as location, registration numbers of the vehicles involved or descriptions of persons.

"If you do not know the exact location, download the What3Words app to your smartphone and pass the grid reference to the operator."