A North East man was arrested and his dogs were seized in a police investigation into alleged badger baiting and animal welfare in North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire force received reports of suspected poaching in a rural location, north of Richmond, on Wednesday (January 25) night.

Officers from Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team attended, and, after making inquiries at the scene, detained a man.

He had three dogs with him, all of which were said to have injuries.

Read more: Police investigate badger baiting

Police said one, in particular, was seriously hurt, suffering deep cuts around its neck.

All three dogs were taken into police care and received treatment from an RSPCA vet.

Officers subsequently carried out a wide search of the area and were said to be “sad” to find a disturbed badger sett and a dead badger.

The detained man, who is in his 20s and from the Sunderland area, was arrested on suspicion of a wildlife offence, breeching a dog control order and theft of a mobile phone.

He was questioned and bailed to allow for further investigations to take place.

The three dogs that were with him have not been returned to the suspect but all are said to be well looked after, and in good hands.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The prompt response from Richmondshire’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and further investigations at the scene have led to a man being arrested on suspicion of a number of different offences.

Read more: Badger baiting - police raid County Durham homes of suspected criminals

“When we investigate reports of rural crime, it can often lead to other crimes being detected, such as animal cruelty, theft or motoring offences.

“That's why information from the public is extremely valuable to help us keep rural communities safe.

“We’d always encourage anyone who has information to come forward and share it with us.

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“As this case and others shows, we do act on it and we do take it very seriously.”

Anyone with information about badger baiting or any other wildlife crime is urged to report it to North Yorkshire Police by visiting the force website and using the ‘Report’ button, on the homepage.

The public can also contact North Yorkshire Police, on 101, and are advised to select option 1, or, alternatively can call the Crimestoppers’ charity, anonymously, on (0800) 555111.