South Oxfordshire MP John Howell is demanding urgent action on rural crime after a spate of problems on estates and common land across the constituency.

He has written to Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Sara Thornton calling for a meeting to discuss ways of tackling the problem.

He wants to talk about crimes including destruction of crops, maiming of animals, wrecking of gates and fences with cars and setting stolen cars alight.

Dr Howell said: "Given how mindless and distressing this wave of crime is, it is not surprising the strength of feeling locally is very strong on this issue, "I am fully aware of how stretched the police are, but I think it is necessary for them now to commit a senior officer to a public meeting with those affected so that we can discuss what real action can be taken.

"If we do not take action now, I am worried a serious and life-threatening event might occur."

Dr Howell said local residents had been intimidated from taking vehicle numbers of those involved and from trying to prevent crimes by blocking access.