ILLEGAL shooting and poaching has increased in Guisborough forest, leading to a warning from police that members of the public could be blinded or seriously injured.

Police say there have been complaints about people with air rifles aiming at members of the public. Unconfirmed reports say that some have been hit.

Officers are now accompanying wardens - some of whom have been threatened by trespassers - on patrols in the 1,000-acre forest where adults and youngsters have been found carrying air weapons.

They are said to be targeting pheasants, rabbits and hares. Even deer have been killed with shotguns and crudely butchered on the forest floor.

The shooting problem is not confined to the forest - air rifles have been fired in residential areas of Guisborough.

Cleveland police have stressed that weapons of any description are not allowed in public places or Guisborough forest. Now, officers and estate wardens, acting for Lord Gisborough, have stepped up patrols.

The forest is managed by the Forestry Commission. Residents have permission to walk, ride and cycle there.

Police say the majority of offenders found with weapons are knowingly breaking the law. Criminal proceedings can be taken for firearms offences, while civil proceedings can be taken for carrying weapons on other people's property - which is classed as trespass.

Sgt Richard Schofield, of Guisborough police, said: "There is no permission to carry weapons of any description in the forest. We have been told that people have ignored wardens and even threatened them, so uniformed police officers are now accompanying them.

"We will stop and search people. If there is any evidence that they have contravened firearms regulations, we will prosecute them. So far, we have been quite successful. One evening, for example, we stopped ten people.

"There have also been several complaints about people taking pot shots at members of the public - not just in the forest but on housing estates. Residents have contacted us, and there are unconfirmed reports that people have been hit. Somebody is going to be blinded or seriously injured.

"Young kids and adults are taking air weapon into the forest. Some are professional poachers. Guisborough is a fairly rural town and people may think it is OK to shoot there. However, we need to let them know that they cannot and that weapons can cause serious injury."

He said there were various laws governing the use of air weapons and shot guns, regarding age, supervision, secure cover of guns, and private and public places.

The wardens did not want to be identified, for fear of attack. One said: "Poachers are doing considerable damage to wildlife. We find dead birds here, there and everywhere. They also shoot rabbits and hares. Deer have also been killed. We find their feet, head and guts on the ground. They know what they are doing."

Lord Gisborough declined to comment.