Woman arrested after car deliberately ploughs into hunt saboteur in horror hit and run
Published
| Last updated
Police have arrested a woman in her 50s after an anti-hunting activist was struck in a hit-and-run in Leicestershire.
Warning: Distressing Content
Loading…
The incident took place shortly before 12pm on Tuesday (25 October), when officers were called to the scene at Braunston Road in Knossington to a report of a hit-and-run crash.
The victim, who is in her 40s, was a member of anti-hunting group the Northants Hunt Saboteur and is believed to have been at a hunt meet when she was struck by the grey Mercedes.
Police said her injuries weren't life-threatening or life-changing, but she was taken to hospital to be treated after the Mercedes fled the scene.
Leicestershire Police identified the driver of the car and launched an investigation which led to the arrest of the 59-year-old woman yesterday (26 October).
After being detained, the woman was held on suspicion of attempted wounding with intent.
In a post on social media, Northants Hunt Saboteurs shared footage which appeared to show the crash and claimed one of its members was 'deliberately' hit by a car.
Video from the scene shows a car driving off down a track at what is said was Ladywood Lodge before hitting a member of the activist group who was standing towards the edge of the road. Onlookers can be heard screaming and calling for someone to call an ambulance.
Northants Hunt Saboteurs also claimed the footage was indication that the hunt was 'the most violent fox hunt in the country'.
Det Insp Charles Edwards, of Leicestershire Police, commented: "We're aware of a video of the incident which has been posted online. I would ask that people do not share anything that could impact our inquiries. However, 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."
Following the arrest, Edwards explained the officers' investigation into the incident is ongoing.
"We've spoken to a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time," he said, adding: "I'm aware of the concern this incident has raised and we'll provide further updates as our enquiries progress."
The 59-year-old woman has since been released under investigation, while the woman hit by the car has been discharged from the hospital after being treated.
Police have also confirmed the grey car involved in Tuesday's collision has since been recovered.
