THREE men were arrested on suspicion of hare coursing in a field in South Marston on Tuesday night.

The Wiltshire Police helicopter was drafted in to search for the group, who had sneaked on to the field to take part in the sport at 8.20pm.

Two 23-years-olds and one 20-year-old, all from Cardiff, were arrested on suspicion of hare coursing and taken to Gablecross Police Station for questioning.

They were found with three dogs, one each, and one of the dogs had to be taken to the vets for treatment to flesh wounds sustained during the incident.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to a field off the A361 near South Marston and the helicopter was sent up to help trace the men.

“Hare coursing is a serious offence that can carry a custodial sentence. This was good work by our rural team, who take offences like this seriously.”

Anyone with any information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.