CHESHIRE Police is investigating claims that a fox was 'ripped' apart and killed during an alleged illegal hunt on Boxing Day.

Campaigners made their way to a part of Allostock on December 26 to protest against a 'hunt' taking place in the area.

Campaigner Benjamin Freeman, from Warrington Animal Rights, claimed a fox was killed on what he said was supposed to be a 'drag hunt', in which mounted riders hunt the trail of an artificially laid scent with hounds.

He said the fox's legs were 'ripped off' during the alleged hunt.

"I was traumatised really," he added.

"A supporter claimed it was a fake hunt but it was not.

"I have not seen anything like that before, it was horrific.

"The legs had literally been ripped off. It really was horrible.

"Most people do not know it is going on – we want the public to be aware of what happens.

"And we want people supporting the hunts to stop supporting them.

"What is going on is horrendous."

Cheshire Police confirmed investigations are ongoing.

A spokesman said: "We are currently investigating allegations that an illegal hunt took place in the area of Allostock on December 26.

"The investigation, which is being run by detectives and rural and wildlife trained officers, is in the early stages and we welcome further information.

"The role of the police is to investigate alleged or apparent breaches of the Hunting Act, to gather evidence and to pass that evidence to the appropriate authority to consider prosecution.

"It is not a police matter to determine what is or is not hunting as this can only be determined in court.

"Anyone with any information in relation to the incident, including video footage of the incident, is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 238 of December 26 2017."