A Sussex farmer has backed calls for a crackdown on illegal hare coursing which he claims is rife on the South Downs.

Chris Passmore, who farms 800 acres of downland near Brighton, said his own and neighbouring farms had been plagued by gangs of illegal hare coursers for more than 20 years.

During that time only two hare coursers trespassing on his land had been taken to court and the only successful prosecution resulted in a small fine.

He is backing a Tory MP who is urging action to combat the illegal blood sport, which will be debated in the Commons later today.

Hare coursing is legal from September to March but allowed only under licence.

Illegal hare coursers are not licensed and have been known to attack farmers who challenge them. The coursing gangs set fast-running dogs after hares, often for large bets.

Mr Passmore said: "The problem is rife on the South Downs.

"We have them on the farm most weeks and if you went up on the Downs on a normal Sunday there would be a fair chance that you would see them.

"I know from past experience it is not safe to approach these people as they can be very aggressive."

Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner said: "Hare coursing comes into the hunting with dogs category, when finally the anti-hunting legislation does come before the Commons hare coursing will be covered by it.

"I would hope very much action can be taken, even without this law to stop hare coursing."