OFFICERS investigating a poaching incident in the Forest of Dean are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

At around 10pm last night (Wednesday) a white van was seen acting suspiciously on the B4226, Speech House Road, near Dilke. It was parked up on the side of the road and one of the occupants was allegedly shining a light into the woods.

Officers responded immediately to the reports and traced the van and its occupants, who also had two large lurcher-type dogs with them. After conducting a search of the vehicle, a small pocket knife, a large tool type knife and two lamps were seized. Three men, all from Wales, were reported under the Prevention of Poaching Act.

Although this was a great result, we still require witnesses to come forward who haven’t yet spoken to police. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 457 of Wednesday, March 2.