Two incidents of animal cruelty in Roundshaw Downs were reported on the same day last month.

A person saw men set dogs on a rabbit and someone else saw dogs chasing foxes in the Wallington Park on Sunday, November 25.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the incidents or has any other information to get in touch.

The first incident happened at around 10.30am. A woman heard an animal in distress and looked to see a fox run into her neighbour's garden. Seconds later she saw another fox emerge from the woods pursued by two brindle brown coloured terrier type dogs.

A man wearing a camouflaged jacket and fisherman’s type hat, who appeared to be involved with the dogs, was challenged by a builder working nearby about what was going on. But, instead of going after the dogs, the man headed back towards the woods without reply. It is not known if either fox was caught or what happened to the dogs.

Later the same day, at around 1pm, a neighbour saw three white men encouraging a young, light brown lurcher dog to sniff a blue or black rucksack on the ground near the football pitches. They released a rabbit from the bag and then set the dog off to chase it. It is not believed the rabbit was caught.

If you have any information about either incident or have any other information about the incidents you can call police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppres on 0800 555 111. If you see an act of animal cruelty taking place you should call 999.