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Hunt saboteurs have posted video of masked men yelling at them during a stand-off in a country lane.

They claim a Devon hunt "called in" masked supporters from a hunt in Somerset to deter saboteurs from operating.

On its Facebook page Devon County Hunt Saboteurs alleges its group were warned off by masked individuals in a 4x4 who surrounded their vehicle and allegedly threatened saboteurs on foot.

The footage is said to have been recorded when the group was following the Eggesford Hunt in Devon in January.

(Image: Devon County Hunt Saboteurs)

The Countryside Alliance has said it is not uncommon for people to support more than one hunt at any time.

Responding to queries from Somerset Live, a spokeswoman said: "Hunt supporters regularly travel to follow different packs of hounds, some even visit more than one pack on the same day.

"This may be as a result of living in an area where there are multiple local hunts or perhaps they are visiting while away on holiday or for business.

(Image: Devon County Hunt Saboteurs)

"The Countryside Alliance encourages people to enjoy hunting in different areas but does not condone any unlawful activity and will not tolerate bad behaviour from any hunt supporters.”

Somerset Live has contacted Eggesford Hunt for comment.

The Hunting Act 2004 came into force in 2005. It made hunting live animals with dogs illegal.

Trail hunting – pursuing pre-laid trails of scent, often fox urine - is not illegal, and more than 250 hunts continue to do it.

Many organisations monitor activities to ensure illegal hunts are not taking place.