AN animal cruelty group is calling for a traditional Boxing Day meet in Lorton to be stopped.

The League Against Cruel Sports has written to county council leader Stewart Young about Melbreak Foxhounds' annual event. It raises concerns about public safety and claims the group has received two reports of illegal hunting in West Cumbria.

The letter states: "Large groups of hunt followers and hounds meeting creates a health and safety hazard – with highways obstructed and passers-by, including families with young children, forced into narrow spaces.

"It is only a matter of time before somebody is injured as a direct result of these chaotic scenes and no risk assessment can realistically mitigate that likelihood."

A county council spokesman said: “Hunting is governed by national legislation.

"If there are concerns about hunts operating illegally, these should be reported to the police.”

Police confirmed a report was received in relation to a potential fox hunting incident at Low Fell on October 22, 2018.

A spokesman said: "This is currently under investigation. Officers are working with partner agencies and enquiries are ongoing."

PC Samantha O’Key said: “We are always open to receiving reports of wildlife and rural crime and will carry out the appropriate investigations to ensure all reports are dealt with robustly.”

Around 40 people gathered at The Wheatsheaf at Lorton on Boxing Day to see around 30 hounds set off on a trail hunt on Low Fell. A scent trail had been laid earlier.

Melbreak Foxhounds have been going since the mid 18th century. Joint master Paul Glaister did not want to comment.