Fox killing video probed

A gang which beat a fox to death before posting a video of the attack on the internet today claimed it was “performing a public service”.

East London-based Urban Foxhunters, which describes itself as “a collective from Victoria Park who hate foxes”, prompted disgust from animal welfare groups after posting the video on websites including Facebook.

The clip has now been removed but is reported to show them chasing the fox in Victoria Park then beating it to death with a cricket bat.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said its wildlife crime unit had received complaints and were considering what action to take.

An RSPCA spokesman said they had also been passed a link to the footage and were investigating but no decision had been taken yet.