Cottesmore Hunt saboteur hit by car

The horrific incident happened as Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs attended the Cottesmore Hunt's opening meet, writes Daniel Jae Webb, SWNS.

It was held on Ladywood Estate, in Knossington, Leicestershire, on Tuesday (October 25).

As they observed the horses and hounds pass along Braunston Road, one of the group members was struck by a car.

The woman in her 40s, who aas facing away from the vehicle when she was hit, was knocked to the ground before being rushed to hospital.

Leicestershire Police has confirmed that officers were called to the scene shortly before midday and has launched an investigation.

They said that following detectives' initial enquiries, the driver of the car has been identified by officers.

READ NEXT: Dorset huntsman found guilty after two foxes killed by hounds

Detective Inspector Charles Edwards said: “Our investigation into this incident is in its early stages.

"I would ask anyone who was in the area and saw what happened – or who has footage of the incident or events leading up to and after it – to come forward.”

Lee Moon, a spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA), told of how the woman sustained only tissue damage, despite the impact.

He said: "This awful incident happened at the opening meet of the Cottesmore Hunt.

''Hunt sabs were present to intervene and save any foxes if they were chased by the hunt.

"Suddenly a car came at high speed and ploughed straight into one of the sabs.

"Amazingly the injured woman only has tissue damage as she could easily have been killed.

"The HSA demands that this attempted murder is investigated by Leicestershire Police and we assume that the BHSA will suspend the Cottesmore immediately.

"Even though sabs become desensitized to acts of violence this is a shocking escalation and it's only a matter of time before someone is killed."

Anyone with information about the incident should call Leicestershire Police on 101 quoting reference 22*623684.