Concerns have been raised after foxes, owls and squirrels are reportedly being shot in a Darlington cemetery.
The issue was raised at a North Road police and communities together (Pact) meeting on Wednesday (October 22).
One resident said he saw a man, in full camouflage gear, walking into North Road Cemetery with an air rifle.
The resident said: "I have only seen him the once, but he had a black rifle in a case, slung over his shoulder.
"A worker at the cemetery said gravediggers have found several foxes, owls and squirrels."
The resident said it was a few weeks ago that he saw the man and added they had not seen a fox "in about six months".
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A local councillor also added she had seen fewer squirrels in the area over the last couple of weeks.
In response to the resident's concern, police community support officer Hannah Salt said she would arrange, with colleagues, to go to the cemetery to speak to the staff. She also said she would alert other officers.
She also said if the resident was to see the man again, to contact police on 101 if the rifle is in its case, or 999 if the man has the rifle out in a public space.
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