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A second dead fox found in Cheshire today (Tuesday, January 8) has sparked a police investigation.

Cheshire police have announced that they are investigating the incident after the fox was discovered in Darnhall, near Winsford on the same day a hunt was taking place.

The reports have come just days after it was claimed that a fox was killed by a trail hunt in Huxley, near Chester on Saturday afternoon (January 5).

In a statement Cheshire police said: "We’re aware of discussions taking place online following the discovery of a dead fox on land in Darnhall while a hunt was taking place today.

"We'd like to assure everyone we are investigating the matter and making enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident."

In a statement on the Cheshire police website, which outlines how the force investigates illegal hunting, it's explained that a number of factors are required in order to bring criminal charges against offenders.

These include:

Witnesses who are willing to give signed statements and to attend court

Those who filmed alleged criminality to provide a signed statement exhibiting that evidence in an unedited form, and without delay

The details of any potential witnesses present

First-hand accounts from victims.

Hunting has been illegal since 2005, when the Hunting Act 2004 came into effect.

The legislation bans the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, but does not affect drag hunting, where dogs are trained to follow an artificial scent.