Men abandoned one of their dogs after police responded to reports of poaching in Lytham.

On Saturday, November 16, a farmer alerted police of suspected hare and deer poaching, with dogs, in the Ballam Road area.

Officers attended and a vehicle made off from officers.

Police spotted men with dogs in a field who fled from officers. Officers lost sight of the men, who abandoned one of their dogs. The dog had an injured leg and she was taken to the vets for treatment.

Police said they will be “stepping up patrols” in the area adding that anyone suspected of these offences will have their vehicles and dogs seized.

A police spokesperson said: “Last night, police were alerted by a farmer in the Ballam Road area of men on land suspected to be hare/deer poaching with dogs.

“Officers attended the area and a Subaru made off from officers.

“Officers sighted several males with dogs in fields and gave chase, unfortunately losing sight of them in the pitch-black muddy fields

“In their haste to evade being captured, the males abandoned one of their dogs who unfortunately had an injury to her leg.

“She was given plenty of food, water and cuddles by the team before being taken to the vets where she received treatment for her injury. She is now on the mend before heading to her lovely new home

“We have a zero tolerance for poaching at Fylde and will always support our rural communities and urge you to call us should this activity take place.

“We will also be stepping up patrols in the area and anyone suspected of these offences will have their vehicles and dogs seized.”

If you have any information regarding this incident or similar incidents, you can contact police at FyldeRTF@lancashire.police.uk.