BY Lauren Beavis, SWNS.

DRAMATIC drone footage appears to show hounds chasing and catching a fox in what campaigners claim is an illegal hunt.

Saboteur groups filmed a pack of dogs running around a bush after the animal, which makes multiple attempts to escape.

The fox is eventually mauled and grabbed by a hound's jaws before it manages to escape, but the impact of its injuries are left unknown.

Hunters on their horses can be seen observing the attack near East Huntspill on Wednesday, October 2.

Mendip and Somerset Hunt Sabs attended the meet of the Weston & Banwell Harriers with West Somerset Vale hunt.

Police say they are investigating whether a crime has been committed or not.

A Mendip Hunt Saboteurs spokesperson said: "What we witnessed was unequivocally illegal fox cub hunting, and completely blows any pretence of the charade of trail hunting out of the water.

"It is different to main season hunting as they are less focused on the long chase, it's more about the kill.''

The video shows a fox which can be seen attempting to escape several times, running in and out of cover as hounds appear to give chase.

A Mendip Hunt Saboteurs spokesperson explained: "The fox was terrifyingly close to the hounds on multiple occasions, and as hunt staff watched on, none tried to stop the hounds."

As the fox made a final attempt to escape footage shows how the fox was grabbed and bowled over by one of the hounds while others closed in.

The fox broke free and ran through a hedge into the next field.

Anti-hunt campaigners report how the fox ran past a member of Somerset Sabs, who managed to temporarily stop the hounds from following.

A Mendip Hunt Saboteurs spokesperson claimed: "What this footage shows is that foxes continue to suffer in relentless pursuits as hunts arrogantly flout the ban 20 years on.

"The law is clearly not fit for purpose."

Avon and Somerset police said: ''We’ve received a report relating to a fox being attacked by a hound in East Huntspill on Wednesday 2 October.

“We’re liaising with the person who reported this incident to us and will be carrying out enquiries to establish if any criminal offences have been committed.

''This will include reviewing any available footage.”

National animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports has said it welcomes the manifesto commitment from the Labour Party to strengthen fox hunting laws by banning trail hunting, which has been exposed as a “smokescreen” for old fashioned illegal fox hunting.

The League also calls for custodial sentences to be introduced for those who would chase and harm animals for entertainment.

Chris Luffingham, acting chief executive of the League said: “This manifesto commitment from the Labour Party to end trail hunting is very welcome news for persecuted animals still being chased and killed by hunts across England and Wales as if it had never been banned.

“Labour has recognised that the vast majority of people agree it’s time for change.”

West Somerset Vale hunt has been approached for comment.