Police Scotland Angus Division are hunting ‘very active’ hare coursers who have threatened farmers when challenged.

Police Scotland’s Angus area commander Chief Inspector Wayne Morrison said: “We are aware of the incidents but when it comes to hare coursing it is very difficult to prove, given the nature of how they put things together.” “We are aware of two or three individuals in the Angus area that are very, very active. We’ve not given up on getting a case to court but it’s still a work in progress.”

Local farmers have been complaining for some time that they have had property damaged and stock injured. At least one has also reported being threatened when confronting the individuals involved.

Hare coursers are most active after harvest when the crops have been cut and often early in the morning or at dusk.

The Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland have urged local residents to report any suspicious activity.