Saboteurs damage hunt kennel

Windows were smashed at the kennels

Police are investigating after a group of 30 people wearing balaclavas attacked buildings used by a Surrey fox hunting association.

Police were called to the Old Surrey and Burstow Fox Hound Kennels at Felbridge, East Grinstead, Surrey, shortly after 1930BST on Saturday, following reports that trespassers were damaging the property.

I believe action... followed the deliberate attempt to seriously injure an animal rights activist

Dawn Preston, Hunt Saboteurs Association

Windows were smashed at the premises and police used CS gas to subdue protesters, but no arrests were made.

The protest followed an incident on Friday morning when a hunt saboteur was seriously injured after he was struck by a vehicle while trying to stop huntsmen chasing foxes.

Steve Christmas, in his 30s, was airlifted to hospital with a broken pelvis and ribs, and remains in intensive care at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Some Hunt Saboteurs Association members alleged that Mr Christmas was deliberately run down by a 4x4 vehicle as he protested against the hunt's meeting at Warren Farm in Horsted Keynes, near Crawley, West Sussex.

Sussex Police say they are attempting to trace the driver of the vehicle.

Families were terrorised by balaclava-clad hooligans intent on causing trouble

Simon Hart, Countryside Alliance

Dawn Preston, of the Hunt Saboteurs Association, said: "I believe action at the home of the hunt followed the deliberate attempt to seriously injure an animal rights activist."

The Countryside Alliance has condemned the protest, alleging that a masked gang had terrorised families living alongside the kennels.

Spokesman Simon Hart said: "Families were terrorised by balaclava-clad hooligans intent on causing trouble and taking their own law into their own hands.

"They subjected women to terrible abuse and threats. As far as yesterday's alleged incident, it is a matter for the police and if anyone has committed an offence they will be dealt with by the law."