A huntsman has dismissed claims a fox was chased and killed near Tonbridge on Saturday.

Mark Bycroft of The Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt, was responding to allegations published online by hunt saboteurs who say they were seconds away from saving the creature.

They have released a graphic video purporting to show hounds ripping a fox apart and disturbing images they say are of the dead animal.

Mr Bycroft told KentOnline: "My understanding of the day is that we were out on a trail hunt with our trail hunting pack.

"I'm aware they are making accusations that a hound killed a fox.

"I've not seen any evidence of the hounds killing a fox."

Trail hunting involves the use of an artificially-laid scent to provide hounds with a path to follow.

The saboteurs claim the kill took place in Frienden Giill Wood at 3pm on Saturday after the hunt set off from the Spotted Dog pub in Smarts Hill near Penshurst earlier in the day.

Hunt Saboteurs Association spokesman Lee Moon said: "The hunt terrier men had shouted to say a fox had been spotted.

"Hounds then went into cry and chased it for between five and 10 minutes.

"Hunt saboteurs arrived just as the hounds were ripping the fox apart but were unable to save it."

Police say the incident has been reported to them.

Spokesman Steve Knight said: "We were called at 3.33pm on Saturday to a report a fox had been killed by dogs in Oakenden Lane, Chiddingstone Hoath.

"Officers have arranged to meet with the informant to obtain further information."