POLICE officers are asking rural communities to stay vigilant after reports from concerned farmers about suspected poachers.

Northumbria Police said there had been a report of people acting suspiciously with dogs in the Holeyn Hall Road area of Heddon-on-the-Wall on Monday, March 30.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said: “We have strong relationships with our rural partners who regularly provide intelligence. This multi-agency working enables a strong and robust response to such crimes and is something we take extremely seriously.

“Reports of this nature at a time when strict stay-at-home rules are in place also gives further cause for concern.”

Officers are conducting inquiries are asking communities to report any suspected sightings and concerns to police via the Northumbria Police website.