Group's concerns over deer poaching

People in Shropshire are being urged to report any sightings of deer poaching immediately to police.

The call comes after villagers in Little Wenlock, near Telford, raised the alarm when they saw a group of men going into the Wrekin Forest with rifles a few weeks ago.

They claimed to have seen men dressed in army-style camouflage clothing going into the forest with guns between dusk and nightfall.

Now Shropshire Wildlife Trust is urging people to contact the police immediately if they see anything.

Wrekin Forest officer Pete Lambert said: "We just ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious, contacts the police immediately and that they realise there is a deer poaching problem at the moment.

"We will try to liaise with any local landowners about this matter and let them know of the situation also."

Little Wenlock Parish Council chairman Pat Hutc- hings said: "This matter was brought to my attention by some very worried residents who saw a group of men ent- er the forest with large rifles.

"This is a real worry because anyone could be in the forest at this time and if people are shooting and can't really see what they are shooting at, then there could be a terrible accident.

"The paths are very windy in there so we just want people to be aware and to make sure that they report anything suspicious to the police."

All reports of suspicious activity should be reported to West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.