A woman has been arrested after an anti-hunting activist was struck by a car in a hit-and-run in Leicestershire.
Police rushed to Braunston Road in Knossington on Tuesday morning following reports that a woman in her 40s had been struck by a grey Mercedes.
The victim had been protesting against a hunt alongside members of the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs at the time of the incident.
She was taken to hospital and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. She has since been discharged.
A 59-year-old woman, from Knossington, was arrested on suspion of attempted wounding on Wednesday evening. She has since been released under investigation.
Footage circulating online shows a group of protesters walking along a road as red-coated horse riders from the Cottesmore Hunt travel past. The woman is then mowed down by a car travelling at speed. Fellow activists can be heard rushing to her aid.
The vehicle involved in the collision has been recovered by police.
Detective Charles Edwards, from Leicestershire Police, said: “Our investigation into the incident is continuing and we’ve spoken to a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.
“I’m aware of the concern this incident has raised and we’ll provide further updates as our enquiries progress.”
Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs claimed the driver was a member of the Cottesmore Hunt.
But a spokesperson for the latter group denied the claims, saying: “The Cottesmore Hunt are aware of an horrific incident involving a hunt saboteur and a member of the public on private property on Tuesday, and understand that a police Investigation is ongoing.
“The incident did not involve any member of the Cottesmore Hunt. We will of course help police with their ongoing investigation and wish the injured person a speedy recovery.”
