SAS-trained operatives from the RSPCA are carrying out covert operations on Cannock Chase in a bid to catch illegal deer poachers. Members of the charity’s Special Operations Unit were called in.

It follows a number of shootings at the beauty spot in the last few weeks.

The unit of 12 highly trained men has an array of hi-tech equipment including night-vision goggles.

They will be trying to get evidence to land poachers in court and stop the trade in illegal meat after poachers were seen on the Chase in a black Nissan pick-up hunting red and fallow deer. Using powerful beams to startle the animals the poachers shoot them with .22 rifles.

Since the start of the season five deer are known to have died but there are fears of many more. Carcasses are taken away and butchered with meat sold on the black market across the area.

Wildlife liaison officer Faye Burton, of the Rural Policing Liaison Group, said poaching hotspots for red and fallow deer included Teddesley, near Penkridge, Wolseley, Cannock Chase and all along the A34 from Stafford to Cannock.

She said evidence was passed to the Special Operations Unit but would not say when or how many men would work on Cannock Chase: “Let’s just say a job is currently being carried out.”

She said she recently walked land where reports of poaching had been made and found severed deer heads, intestines and blood.