A POLICE investigation is under way after reports that horse riders with dogs allegedly chased a fox in Kirtlington.

It was reported to police at 11.50am on Monday.

Hunting still takes place legally around Oxfordshire and across England and Wales on the condition that riders must only follow a scent trail as set out in the Hunting Act 2004.

Thames Valley Police spokesman James Williams said: “It is reported that there were about 12 horse riders with dogs chasing a fox.

“The matter is being investigated as a criminal offence and anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 and quote reference 43180015969.”

In 2012, members of Oxfordshire’s Heythrop Hunt were convicted of illegal fox hunting in the first prosecution mounted by the RSPCA.

The hunt admitted what the prosecutor said was ‘deliberate unlawful hunting’.