POACHERS have been spotted sending dogs out to scare deer in woodland around the Stour Valley.

A concerned member of the public raised the alarm after spotting two men and two children poaching in woodland near Bearwood, Bournemouth, on Sunday.

They were carrying torches and using their dogs to chase the deer, the witness said.

The police helicopter was sent up to search for the suspected poachers, following the report at 10.05pm.

Officers on foot also scoured the area off Bear Cross Avenue and surrounding roads, but no one was caught or arrested.

The hunt was stood down shortly after midnight.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Director of Conservation, Imogen Davenport, said they were concerned by the report.

“We would recommend that anyone who sees anything suspicious or illegal in the countryside should contact the local police Wildlife Crime Officer and report what they have seen,” she said.

A deer in that area would probably be roe or sika.

One of the men was wearing a red jacket and the other was wearing a dark jacket, the caller said.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said they take rural and wildlife crime seriously.

If a member of the public believes an offence is taking place, they should dial 999 immediately. Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.