Anti-hunt saboteurs claim a huntsman shot down their drone while it was filming a fox hunt.

Members of the East Kent Sabs say the drone was “shot out of the sky” by members of the Ashford Valley and Tickham Hunt as it hovered over the Isle of Sheppey.

A still from the drone’s footage appears to show a huntsman on his horse looking at what saboteurs claim is a team of terrier dogs digging out a fox.

The scenes were taken on Saturday at Sayes Court, Harty.

A spokesman for the saboteurs said: “Our road crew and drone operator added air support to locate the hunt.

"We found them digging out a poor fox that had run to ground.

"Our screen went blurry and our drone operative said: 'The drone’s been shot!'

"The drone was shot out of the sky but made it back despite significant damage.

"Our film will be handed over to the police. The footage is damning and clear.”

He said police were called but did not turn up.

A spokesman for the hunt said: “We conduct legal hunting activities to comply with the Hunting Act 2004.

"The hunt does not condone illegal behaviour even in the face of extreme provocation by animal rights extremists.

"Hunt officials and our professional staff work hard to ensure good relationships with members of the public as well as landowners and other authorities.

"We will, of course, assist the police should there be an investigation following any allegations about our hunting activities.”