Cumbria Police has urged county residents to report illegal deer poaching in order to assist the force in tackling rural crime.

The county's constabulary is encouraging anyone who is aware of, or suspects that the illegal hunting of deer is taking place to get in contact.

"Deer poaching is the illegal or unauthorised hunting of deer," a spokesman for Cumbria Police explained.

"It is carried out in a variety of ways including shooting at night under spotlight, [also known as] lamping, and illegal hunting with dogs.

"The methods used by poachers to hunt deer can be cruel and inhumane."

The police spokesman added that authorised killing of deer does take place, for conservation or for other legitimate reasons.

"Any selective culling for welfare or herd management should always be carried out by trained deer stalkers who are authorised to cull with deer welfare, public safety and food hygiene as their main priorities," the spokesman said.

Under no circumstances should anyone approach known or suspected deer poachers.

"If you are aware of anyone who is involved in poaching or any other wildlife crime notify police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111," the Cumbria Police spokesman added.

This message from Cumbria Police, encouraging the reporting of illegal deer poaching, is one that is echoed by the British Deer Society.

"The amount of under-reporting of poaching and other rural crime means that it is important that anyone living in, working in or simply visiting the countryside reports all incidents," the society states on its website.

"If you see or are aware of poachers on your, or anyone else’s land, call the police.

"If you are being threatened or damage is being caused, or if you believe there is a danger to the public, then it is urgent and 999 should be used.

"Otherwise, use the 101 non-emergency number to report incidents."

The society also encourages anyone alerting the police to suspected illegal activities to provide as much information as possible when contacting the police, including any vehicles used, the number of people involved, and whether they were in possession of firearms.