WILDLIFE wardens fear poachers are hunting deer in the countryside around Tockholes.

Rangers at Roddlesworth Woods have received reports of deer being chased by lurcher dogs and of people dressed in camouflage and carrying firearms.

Now residents and walkers are being asked to report any incidents of shooting they hear or see.

Ian Harper, United Utilities wildlife warden, said: "We are aware that people have been seen with shotguns and firearms and lurcher dogs. There have been up to four people wearing camouflage in the woodlands.

"We have heard several rumours of dogs in the woods and police have been monitoring the situation.

"If the public are at all suspicious they should ring the police because poaching is theft and should be treated as such."

The reports mirror similar incidents on Teesside, where gangs of men have apparently been stalking deer with dogs.

Last year a dog, belonging to Janet Kirkham of Butterworth Brow, Brinscall, was found dead in the woods weeks after going missing. She now believes her pet was shot.

She said: "At the time when Gizmo ran off from me and disappeared I heard a gunshot. We don't know whether Gizmo was shot at or not but he had been dead for quite some time when he was found.

"It's very dangerous if people are using guns in the woods because there are so many little footpaths and it is a popular area with walkers. They could have hit a person and killed them.

"I have reported it to the police and have a number to ring if I hear anything else."

Insp Andrea Bradbury said: "We do get intermittent reports of poaching activity in rural areas and the police will always act with other responsible agencies such as the wildlife staff and the force's wildlife officer.

"If anyone has any concerns they can pass that to the Community Beat Manager, PC Alan Hurst, on 01254 353813."