FIVE men have been arrested after a badger sett was found dug up not far from Helmsley on the North York Moors.

North Yorkshire Police said it had received reports from concerned members of the public, just before 10am on January 11, about the behaviour of a group of men on a field behind Wath Court, Hovingham, near Helmsley.

Five men from the Hartlepool area have been arrested in connection with the incident, which involved the digging up of a badger set.

The men have been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Police thanked the public for their help in the matter.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police. Dial 101, press 1 and pass information to the force control room, quoting reference number 12190006245.