FOUR men suspected of hare coursing ditched a car and three dogs in a bid to escape police during a chase in Wantage.

Officers responded to reports that the group was carrying out the illegal hunting at Chain Hill, Wantage, at about 11pm last Tuesday.

A blue Suzuki Grand Vitara, four men and a number of lurcher type dogs were spotted in a field.

The four men were disturbed and escaped in the vehicle before crashing it into a ditch.

They then escaped on foot going south along the B4494, Lockinge road, leaving the vehicle and dogs behind.

Police arrived and carried out a search of the area.

Three lurcher dogs were taken to Wantage police station and the vehicle was recovered.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the ownership of the dogs and the vehicle.

Anyone with information should call police on the inquiry centre number, 101.

Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.