NORTH Lancashire's wild deer population could have been reduced by as many as 40 animals, gamekeepers have told police officers attempting to snare poachers.

Sergeant Dal Dawkins, of Lancashire Police, says intelligence from gamekeepers suggests between 30 and 40 deer had been killed.

Although there is no firm evidence to back the claims, he says poaching is a problem in the Silverdale and Warton areas - and in particular on the Leighton Hall estate.

"Because deer are roving creatures we cannot say whether these deer have been killed, been scared off by poachers or just wandered across the border and into Cumbria," he told the Citizen.

"It is impossible to say how many have been killed by poachers because we believe they are most probably taking the carcasses away for meat. We have recovered around five carcasses with gun shot wounds, which satisfies us that poaching is taking place."

Lancashire and Cumbria police forces are now working with the Environment Agency, gamekeepers and landowners to track down poachers - who face jail sentences of up to 10 years if caught and convicted.

The campaign has involved stopping and searching cars travelling through some of the affected areas.

However, failure to catch any poachers has led police to believe that an organised gang is behind the apparent drop in wild deer numbers.

Anyone with information on poaching in the north Lancashire area is urged to call Sgt Dawkins on 01524-63333 or Crimestoppers in strict confidence on 0800-555111.