Two suspected poachers were stopped by police in Appledore following reports of game birds going missing.

A catapult, cosh and a jacket, with what appeared to be blood on it, were seized.

The men, who had dogs with them, were stopped in Moor Lane just after 8am last Wednesday after it was reported that game birds were being poached between Tenterden and Appledore.

They are aged 21 and 24 and from the Maidstone area.

They were searched under the Poaching Prevention Act 1862, interviewed under caution released. The investigation is continuing.