THREE suspected poachers faced a long walk home - and a man who was with them will appear in court - after police responded to suspicious activity in the North York Moors.

Rural patrols around Kildale, near Stokesley, located a vehicle and four men with dogs on land without permission, at about 1.15am today (Wednesday).

Although three suspects ran off, police stopped a man in his 30s. He was reported for summons for hunting offences. In addition, their car, a Toyota Avensis, was seized for being suspected of use in crime.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Poaching typically tends to increase in the winter months. However, anyone thinking of coming to any part of North Yorkshire to commit this offence should know that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Officers are working hand-in-hand with local communities, so we rely on residents to call in suspicious activity, and, as last night's patrols have shown, those caught can expect to have their vehicle seized."

Residents are encouraged to note down and report any suspicious activity, such as unusual vehicle movements, particularly in remote or isolated areas. Even if the information doesn’t need an immediate response, every piece of intelligence helps the police build up a picture and could prove vital in bringing criminals to justice. Phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.