THE Dengie Peninsula has long been identified as an area where hare coursing is a problem - and now Essex Police's Rural Engagement Team is renewing its appeal for residents to be vigilant and report signs of the illegal activity.

A spokesperson for the team said: "We are well aware that harecoursing season will be soon under way and have set out some very robust response plans.

"Report all incidents (999 if ongoing), provide descriptions and vehicle indexes where possible.

"Please help us to help you and we will all stand together."

Essex Police launched Operation Galileo to help tackle the rural crime - illegal under the Hunting Act 2004 - back in February, 2018, focussing initial patrols on the Dengie Peninsula and Uttlesford as two predominantly rural areas of the county where hare coursing reports tend to occur most frequently.

To report any instance of hare coursing at the time it is happening, call 999, or to report suspicions of the crime after it has happened or other relevant information, call 101 or report online at the Essex Police website, available by using the link here.