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THIS is the shocking moment a member of a fox hunt appears to attack a demonstrator while wielding a whip.

Cops are investigating after footage emerged of an altercation between the man on horseback and a protester.

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Hunt member gesticulates furiously as saboteur confronts himCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
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Leicestershire police have opened an investigation into the altercation between hunter and protestorCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
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The hunter jumps off his horse to confront protester before scuffling with himCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

The demonstrator who is filming can be heard warning the huntsman there is a fox ahead and says they should call the hounds away.

But the member of the hunt, who is on horseback, dismisses the claim saying "you think I am going to believe you" before continuing up the road.

The huntsman then rides towards the demonstrator before swearing at him and jumping off his horse.

He can then be seen squaring up to the protester before the pair scuffle.

The member of the hunt, who is carrying a whip, can then be seen pointing angrily at the camera as he shouts "never do that again mate".

Another huntsman on horseback can also be heard saying: "Take his f****** camera Stewie."

Leicestershire Police has confirmed they are now investigating the 1:58 minute video which was filmed at the Atherstone Hunt in Leicestershire, on Monday afternoon.

A spokesman said: "Police received a call from a man on Monday evening reporting an assault alleged to have taken place that morning in Wellsborough Road, Sheepy Parva.

"A subsequent call relating to the same incident was received at around 2pm on Monday.

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Hunter who was carrying a whip told protester: 'Never do that again mate'Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
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A huntsman on horseback can also be heard saying off camera: 'Take his f****** camera Stewie'Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

"Officers are in the initial stages of their inquiries."

Atherstone Hunt have found themselves being investigated by police several times in recent years.

In August this year, Warwickshire Police dropped an investigation over the killing of a fox citing a lack of evidence.

The decision was made despite shocking footage showing a fox being ripped apart by their hounds in November last year.

In January this year Leicestershire Police said they were investigating reports a fox had been illegally killed near Market Bosworth, Leic., during a hunt.

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Leicestershire Police has confirmed they are now investigating the 1:58 minute video which was filmed at the Atherstone Hunt in Leicestershire, on Monday afternoonCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
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Atherstone Hunt have found themselves being investigated by police several times in recent yearsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Video footage showed the dead fox in the mouth of one of the hounds but it isn't clear if anything has come of the investigation.

In December last year footage also emerged showing a hunt supporter putting a protester in a headlock during a meeting of Atherstone Hunt.

Laura Caines, 33, of Bedworth, Warks., was later found guilty on two counts of assault by beating after the bust-up.

And in September last year, protesters filmed a hunt steward simulating sex with the body of a dead goose but police decided no criminal offence had taken place.



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