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Iwade man arrested at Detling Aerodrome by police investigating alleged cock-fighting at farm near Sittingbourne

A fourth man has been arrested by detectives investigating suspected illegal cock-fighting and animal cruelty at a farm near Sittingbourne.

Officers discovered about 170 birds after searching a converted barn in Iwade - several dead cockerels were also found along with a suspected fighting ring.

Now a 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of various offences, including animal cruelty.

A suspected fighting ring, known as a cockpit, was also found in Iwade
A suspected fighting ring, known as a cockpit, was also found in Iwade

It came after officers raided a business at Detling Aerodrome on Monday and unearthed three lorry-loads of illicit alcohol - worth an estimated £75,000 in evaded tax. Police said a "substantial quantity of cash" was also seized by officers.

An Iwade man was arrested on suspicion of a variety of theft offences, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug, animal cruelty and proceeds of crime.

He joins a 47-year-old Teynham man and a 20-year-old man from Swanley who were arrested in connection with the same offences, while a 21-year-old Upchurch man was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

WARNING: Graphic image below

Kent Police officers discovered the dead birds - with their combs removed, which is believed to be common in breeding birds for fighting - in a converted barn in Raspberry Hill last Monday.

Other searches uncovered about 100 wraps of a suspected class A drug, a substantial amount of cash and suspected stolen vehicles.

Several dogs were also seized on suspicion of welfare offences in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.

Several dead cockerels - with their combs removed - were found on a police raid on a farm
Several dead cockerels - with their combs removed - were found on a police raid on a farm

All four arrested men have now been released on police bail until April 9 pending further inquiries.

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