Badgers are protected and interfering with their setts is illegal

Two setts have been dug up near Bishop Auckland and wildlife campaigners fear others may be targeted.

The Durham Badgers Group, which monitors the badgers' habitat, have reported both incidents to the police.

Badgers are protected and even interfering with their setts is illegal.

The Group's project officer, Peter Robinson said: "They have been dug - the main chambers have been dug into and quite possibly badgers taken."

Mr Robinson said the badgers would be taken for illegal badger baiting and could be taken anywhere in the country.

He said if the group was alerted about badger baiting they could work on anti-digging measures like reinforcing with steel or concrete.

Police wildlife liaison officer Inspector George Ledger said he would be working with the badger group to tackle the problem.

He said: "It is a recordable crime and police will investigate it."