Saboteur violence wrecks grouse-shooting party

A total of 70 police officers from two forces broke up a major confrontation between a hunting party and shoot saboteurs on the opening day of the grouse-shooting season.

Police said six members of a shooting syndicate were injured and a vehicle damaged after the clash on Gilmonby Moor, south west Durham yesterday afternoon.

"More than 50 saboteurs, some reported to be wearing ski masks and armed with staves, trespassed on private land," said a spokesman. None of the six people injured are believed to have needed hospital treatment.

Seventy officers from Durham and neighbouring North Yorkshire police and are investigating complaints which include the theft of cameras and bags.