POLICE removed stones which had deliberately been placed to block the entrance of a badger sett.

Officers from the Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team were sent to the scene – which has not been identified – after reports of ‘interference with a badgers sett’.

And they said stones had been “deliberately placed to block the entrance”.

“Badgers are a protected species in the UK, and it is a criminal offence under the Badger Act 1992 to disturb or damage a sett,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

“Blocking access can trap badgers underground, potentially leading to starvation or death.

“We take wildlife crime seriously and will continue working to protect our rural communities and the environment.”

Anyone who spots people interfering with a badgers sett should report it to police on 101.

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