Anti-hunt groups are targeting the homes of huntsmen they suspect of breaking the controversial new ban, a top policeman said.

Protesters on the margins of anti-hunting groups have adopted the tactics previously used against vivisectionists by animal rights extremists.

Sussex assistant chief constable Nigel Yeo warned that conflict over the ban could escalate when the new hunting season opens in September.

"There has been at least one case where there has been a visit to a house, and one or two instances where kennels have been damaged," said Mr Yeo.

"The inferred aim was to intimidate."

The incidents had taken place since the ban came into force in February, he said.