Men in court charged in connection with hare coursing investigation
It follows a series of coordinated arrests and seizure on Saturday, 25 January.
Last updated 22nd Sep 2025
Twenty-four men charged in connection with hare coursing and disorder that took place across Cambridgeshire in January have now appeared in court.
The appearances follow a series of coordinated arrests and seizure made in connection with a force-wide investigation into criminal activity on Saturday, 25 January.
The events, which included reports of hare coursing, criminal damage, and dangerous driving, caused significant disruption and concern in communities including Fordham, Ely, Prickwillow, Littleport, Welney, Chatteris, March, Wimblington and Doddington.
Supported by Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Thames Valley, West Mercia, Leicestershire, West Midlands, Northampton and Essex Police, as well as the National Rural Crime Unity (NRCU) and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, Cambridgeshire officers have carried out extensive inquiries in the weeks and months since, including arrest warrants across multiple counties.
A total of 43 individuals have been arrested and one juvenile voluntarily interviewed. Of those, 25 have been charged with a combination of 39 offences.
Detective Inspector Matthew Selves, who has led the investigation, said: “Following a thorough investigation into incidents of hare coursing and violent disorder that took place in January this year, 25 individuals have been charged.
“Over the past two weeks, 24 of those have appeared in court. Some have entered guilty pleas, while others have pled not guilty and will now face trial. This marks a significant step forward in the investigation and the judicial process.
“We recognise the serious impact these events had on our communities and the devastation they caused. From the very outset, we made a clear commitment to carrying out a robust and comprehensive investigation. Reaching court this month demonstrates our determination to deliver justice and to show our communities that we will not tolerate such behaviour.”