Clashes at coursing meet

Violence flared today as the last major hare-coursing event before the activity is made illegal got under way.

A dismembered hare was among missiles thrown today at anti-blood sports protesters as the three-day Waterloo Cup began at Altcar, Lancashire, shortly before 10am.

Around 200 demonstrators marched to the event, banging drums, sounding air horns and carrying banners and placards.

Hundreds of spectators stood behind wire fences and shouted abuse at the protesters. A hare's dismembered body was thrown at the demonstrators, along with mud, bottles, empty cans and a firecracker.

The protest was policed by more than 50 officers, including several on horseback. At least two prohunting spectators were led away in handcuffs by police. Country sports enthusiasts vowed "we will be back" as the event, founded in 1836, was expected to attract more than 10,000 people over the next three days.

Coursing, in which two dogs chase a hare, will be made illegal when the Hunting Act comes into force on Friday. Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said he was "a hundred per cent certain" today's event would not be the last. He said: "I am certain the Waterloo Cup will take place in 2006. It may not even be in this country but it will live on."