POLICE have warned the region's badger baiters that they have a powerful new weapon after a pop bottle led to a suspect more than two years after the offence.

Durham Police believe it is the first time that DNA has been used to track down suspects in a wildlife case in the county.

Now force wildlife liaison co-ordinator Superintendent Graham Rankin has warned other offenders that the breakthrough will make it easier for officers to investigate wildlife crimes.

The incident happened when police were called to an east Durham farm in November 2000 and found signs that a badger sett had been damaged.

Badger baiting is a major problem in the North-East. Gangs dig the animals out then take them to derelict barns or industrial buildings for fights against dogs, on which money is gambled.

In the east Durham incident, it was clear that the sett had been attacked. Police removed two pop bottles from the area, which were then tested for DNA.

Earlier this month, a positive match was made to a man arrested in Sunderland in connection with non-wildlife crimes, according to the force.

Because too much time had lapsed, he could not be prosecuted for badger baiting in a magistrates' court and was cautioned instead.

But Supt Rankin said: "This shows that DNA is another important part of our armoury and that the past will catch up with these people.

"We have been able to gather a lot of intelligence on this individual, which shows that he has been active in other parts of the north of England, involved in offences including poaching."

Supt Rankin confirmed that the force was investigating a number of other badger baiting cases in its area.

The breakthrough comes only days after fears were raised that cats were being used in illegal blood sports.

A dead cat was found near Hesleden, County Durham, earlier this month, with its legs and tail bound together with tape and twine.

Animal welfare officers believe cats could be used to prepare dogs for badger baiting.

Read more about the Animal Watch campaign here.