Guns confiscated after farmer tries to stop cull

A farmer had his firearms confiscated after he allegedly threatened officials who came to cull his livestock because of foot-and-mouth.

The unnamed farmer, from Penrith, Cumbria, is believed to have tried to prevent the compulsory slaughter of his animals.

Cumbria Police confirmed the incident happened earlier today but would not specify the type or number of weapons. No other legal action is being taken against the farmer.

A spokesman said: "During the current foot-and-mouth outbreak police are aware of the potential of people to make threats with firearms against anyone who may come on to their land.

"While understanding the distress which provokes such a response police cannot accept a threat to life and will remove the firearms of anyone who makes such threats."