POACHERS are suspected to have been operating in the Ponteland area, police have warned.

Northumbria Police received a report of two males acting suspiciously with a lurcher dog at Kirkley on Saturday, January 4 at around 10am.

It is believed they were using a white Ford Transit, with a 64 plate, and a black Seat Ibiza.

Officers carried out a search of the area, but no vehicles were located.