Part of the controversial badger cull could be put on hold – over reports setts have been filled in at a large country estate.
Police and Natural England are investigating about setts being disturbed at the 3,000 acre Forthampton Estate near Tewkesbury, Glos.
The inquiry was launched after filled in setts were found and if the allegations prove true the badger cull in the county could potentially collapse.
The joint investigation between Natural England, West Mercia Police and Gloucestershire police started in April.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: “Evidence of possible offences has been collected, but at this stage work is ongoing to establish if these were carried out by anyone connected with the land or by others without the landowners’ knowledge.”
The Government has said the cull can begin from June 1, which is aimed at curbing the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
Owners of the estate have refused to comment.