As the badger cull reaches its planned halfway point, Gloucestershire police officers would like to thank everyone they have come into contact with during Operation Themis – the police’s response to the cull.

So far two people have been arrested as part of the operation with one man, 48, from Salford in Greater Manchester arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and common assault.

He’s been released on police bail until Tuesday, October 7 pending further enquiries.

The second man, 30-year-old Joseph Hilton of Lakeside in Bristol has been charged with common assault and aggravated trespass and will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, October 23.

Both men were arrested following an incident at a farm at Bromsberrow Heath, near Ledbury on Monday, September 22.

Chief Inspector Charlie Laporte, silver commander for Operation Themis said: “I’d like to thank everyone we have come into contact with during the badger cull this year.

"We understand it is an extremely divisive subject, however most people have been very co-operative and courteous to our officers.

“We understand that there has been a feeling of harassment or intimidation amongst those living in the area, whether they are involved in the cull or not.

"Let me be clear, any report of this nature is being thoroughly investigated by officers and dealt with appropriately.

"Officers will continue to work in the cull zone every night and if you feel you are being intimidated or harassed, please contact us on 101. If you feel threatened or in danger, call 999 immediately.”