POLICE have announced that they will be ‘patrolling’ hunts across the area as people gather for Boxing Day hunt parades.

Gloucestershire Police said their officers would be monitoring the hunts to ensure they are 'operating within the law' and addressing any community concerns.

It is understood there are three different ‘hunting meets’ taking place across the region this morning. 

This includes at Mansion House, Cirencester Park (Vale Of White Horse Foxhounds), at Worcester Lodge, Didmarton (Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt) and at Thornbury High Street (Berkeley Hunt). 

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “We would like to reassure members of the public there will be a police presence dedicated to patrolling the Hunts on Boxing Day, including the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt. 

“Officers will be addressing any community concerns and ensuring the hunts are operating within the law.

“All reports of wildlife crime are taken very seriously and we encourage anyone who is aware of any incidents to report them to us.

“Please call us on 999 if a crime is in progress or 101 if it is not an emergency.”

A map has been created showing all of the locations of hunts across the UK.