Allegations of multiple illegal Boxing Day fox hunts are being investigated by police across the country.
North Wales police launched an investigation after a dead fox was found near the A55 in Anglesey after reports of six “hunting” dogs on the loose.
When officers were sent to recover the dogs, the dead fox was found in the immediate area. An investigation is under way to identify the owners of the dogs and the circumstances in which the fox died.
Elsewhere, officers in Cheshire said they were made aware of footage and reports of an illegal Boxing Day hunt in Allostock, near Knutsford.
Cheshire police appealed for witnesses. A force spokesman said: “We are aware of footage and reports that an illegal hunt has taken place in Allostock and consequently detectives and rural and wildlife trained officers are investigating the allegations.
In Suffolk, where it was claimed a fox was killed, officers issued a renewed appeal for witnesses after a disturbance broke out between members of the Great Thurlow hunt and observers. Images posted on social media purported to show the dead animal.
Thousands of hunters and hunt followers met at more than 250 registered Boxing Day hunts after reports that the prime minister, Theresa May, will abandon her election manifesto pledge to give MPs a free vote on whether to overturn the foxhunting ban.
