Shocking footage shows hunt sab claiming he's a convicted murderer, abusing two female hunt stewards

Shocking scenes unfolded in rural Warwickshire yesterday (15/01/2020) which resulted in two female hunt stewards allegedly being assaulted by a man who claimed he was a convicted murderer.

Two extremist saboteur groups, which consisted of members of the West Midlands Hunt Saboteurs and Cirencester Illegal Hunt Watch, had been out following the Warwickshire Hunt, when the shocking exchange took place.

Video footage from a field in the Oxhill area, shows a male squaring up to the camera of one hunt steward, while aggressively shouting in her face.

Viewer discretion is advised.

He sinisterly hissed: "I'll be back in f***ing prison, I've just come out now for f***ing murder".

It is alleged he then grabbed the breast of the steward, who was wearing a pink hi-viz vest, resulting in her screaming for him to "get off my b**b".

The man then snapped back: "I'll go in again".

Again, the female demanded "Get off my b**b. Do not assault me".

While snarling, the unidentified male stated: "You are a f***ing b****rd".

The footage ends on the female reiterating her plea: "Get out, do not assault me, get out".

Another female hunt steward, also wearing a pink high-visibility jacket, is then seen attempting to help her colleague.

The horrendous event has caused considerable distress to the two female hunt stewards.

One of the women, who has requested to remain anonymous said of the terrifying encounter through the Warwickshire Hunt: "The verbal abuse I suffered on Wednesday as a result of those extremists is deeply upsetting and unacceptable on any level."

She added: "I feel violated and frightened. These animal rights activists frequently publicise personal information and encourage others to attack. I am incredibly concerned for my safety."

Hunt stewards regularly carry recording equipment for personal safety, as well as for recording the actions of these extremists.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Warwickshire Hunt said: "This disgusting behaviour is completely unacceptable. Irrespective of anyone's view on hunting, this behaviour is just plain wrong and extremely concerning."

The Countryside Alliance, a rural campaigning group, has also joined the condemnation.

Polly Portwin, Head of Hunting, said: "We are incredibly concerned by this footage. Behaviour of this nature is deeply worrying and calls into question the tactics used by groups like this. We sincerely hope the police investigate this matter further".

The Hunt have confirmed they have contacted Warwickshire police about the incident, with witness statements and a review of the evidence due to be taken imminently.