Man, 18, who died while fighting to stop hunting 'was too nice for this world'

Animal rights activists are today paying tribute to a young man killed 30 years ago while volunteering with hunt saboteurs.

Today marks the 30 year anniversary of 18-year-old Mike Hill's death.

The young man had been volunteering with the Yeovil Saboteurs and Merseyside Saboteurs, now known as Liverpool Hunt Saboteurs, for two years when the group set out to prevent hare hunting by the Cheshire Beagles on February 9, 1991.

Tragedy struck at the end of the day when Mike, from Kirkby, was killed.

A spokesperson for the group told the ECHO: "Mike was only 18 and for two years lived and breathed animal rights, not just dogs and cats but every living creature.

"He was a vegan, he worked at both Heaven's Gate Sanctuary and Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre."

Mike Hill, the 18-year-old who sadly died attempting to save hares from being hunted. (Liverpool Hunting Saboteurs)

Mike was one of three saboteurs who jumped onto the back of a truck carrying dogs from the hunt.

It is believed that during the following five-mile drive, Mike jumped from the back of the vehicle as it slowed to take a bend but did not clear the truck.

This led to him becoming caught between the truck and the trailer, which crushed him.

Mike sadly died at the scene.

A hare, the animal Mike was seeking to protect. (National Trust)

At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was recorded.

Since his death, the 2004 Hunting Act has been introduced which bans the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales.

Mike Hill (Liverpool Hunting Saboteurs)

A spokesperson for Liverpool Hunt Saboteurs told the ECHO: "We would like for Mike to be remembered as the caring, compassionate person that he was.

"Mike was too nice a person for this world.

"There was no hurt nor malice in his soul, he thought good of everyone and everything.

"He was quiet, unassuming, softly spoken and gentle.

"He lived and died for his beliefs."