Two arrested in poaching attempted murder inquiry

Two people have been arrested over an incident where a man was hit and seriously injured by a vehicle after confronting intruders in a field at night.

Police said they were called to a reported poaching incident near Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire, shortly after 23:00 BST on 24 October 2024.

The victim allegedly confronted men he had seen in the field before being knocked down by their vehicle, according to officers.

A 37-year-old man from Totton has been rearrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect and a 60-year-old Totton woman have also been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Police said the man was reportedly knocked down on a grass verge near a lay-by in Netherton Road.

In a statement, officers said: "We were called at 23:09 on Thursday 24 October to what was initially reported as a suspected poaching incident on Netherton Road.

"On arrival, a man in his 50s was found with serious injuries.

"It was reported that the man had attempted to confront a group of men he had seen in a field. The men reportedly got into a vehicle, which then struck the victim. The vehicle was then driven from the scene.

"The man was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries but has since been discharged."

The two suspects have been released on bail while inquiries continue.

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