GLOUCESTERSHIRE police have praised the behaviour of both sides during this year's badger cull, while acknowledging a few arrests in the Ledbury area, and reports of intimidation.

Chief Inspector Charlie Laporte, Commander for Operation Themis, the police response to the Gloucestershire cull, said “I’d like to thank everyone we have come into contact with during the badger cull this year. We understand it is an extremely divisive subject; however most people have been very co-operative and courteous to our officers.

“We understand that there has been a feeling of harassment or intimidation amongst those living in the area, whether they are involved in the cull or not."

He added: "Let me be clear, any report of this nature is being thoroughly investigated by officers and dealt with appropriately."

The cull, to assess the impact or otherwise of badgers in incidents of bovine TB, is now at its half-way point.

So far two people have been arrested as part of the operation with one man, a 48-year-old man from Salford in Greater Manchester, arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and common assault.

He has been released on police bail until October 7, pending further enquiries.

The second man, 30-year-old Joseph Hilton of Lakeside in Bristol has been charged with common assault and aggravated trespass and will appear before Cheltenham Magistrates on October 23.

Both men were arrested following an incident at a farm at Bromsberrow Heath, near Ledbury on September 22.

The farm has not been identified by police.

Chief Inspector Laporte said: "Officers will continue to work in the cull zone every night and if you feel you are being intimidated or harassed, please contact us on 101.

"If you feel threatened or in danger, call 999 immediately.”