The incident occurred in Watlington last night (Thursday, April 17) as Thames Valley Police received reports of illegal poaching.

Four men were subsequently found and detained but have since been released with out-of-court disposals.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “The Rural Crime Taskforce attended reports of suspected illegal poaching in the Watlington area tonight.

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“With assistance from the police helicopter, four males were located and detained.

“The males admitted to being in the area looking for game without permission from the landowner.

“Through consultation with the landowner, the males were all issued an out-of-court disposal for nighttime trespass in pursuit of game.

“An out-of-court disposal is a method of dealing with certain offences where the suspects have little to no relevant offending history, without the need to send them to court.

“If they are caught again, they will be arrested and dealt with via the courts.”

The Department for Transport (DfT) has been asked to consider allowing Category B licence holders—those with a standard car licence—to drive motorhomes weighing up to 4,250kg.

This is because motorhome weight often exceeds the current 3,500kg limit but stays under 4,250kg, and the current rules limit travel options for many standard licence holders.

What is checked on your car during an MOT?

EU rule changes

The EU’s new directive extends this flexibility to include motorhomes—referred to as “motor caravans”—regardless of whether they are petrol, diesel, or zero emission.

Under the directive, EU member states can allow heavier motorhomes to be driven on a Category B licence, provided drivers complete at least seven hours of training, pass a relevant test, or both.

The training or test must cover specific safety topics outlined in the directive.

The UK Government extended these rules in June 2025, permitting all zero emission vehicles up to that weight to be driven on a standard licence.

Petition to change UK driving rules

A petition, signed by more than 11,000 people, said: “Current laws allow Category B car license holders to drive motorhomes up to 3,500kg.

“We feel current laws restrict the size and weight of motorhomes, and many motorhomes just over 3500kg are automatic, which may be helpful for people with disabilities.”

Department for Transport responds to driving petition

Responding to the petition, a Department for Transport spokesman said: “The DfT keeps driving licence rules under review.

“We have not yet assessed the potential benefits of allowing Category B licence holders to drive motorhomes weighing up to 4,250kg.

“Any future changes to driving licence law would be subject to public consultation and a full assessment of their impacts.”

The animal was discovered by the Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue team at the entrance to its den on Tuesday night, April 14.

The cub was found alone, exposed and unresponsive in a location not provided after wandering outside in a desperate search for her mother, the charity said.

The charity’s spokesman said: “She was covered in fly eggs, cold and barely breathing.

“She was clinging onto life with absolutely everything she had left in her.

“This can only mean one thing, she was searching for her mother out of pure desperation.”

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One of the fox cubs receiving oxygen from the rescue team (Image: Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue)

The team said they immediately got the cub some warmth and began helping her with oxygen in an effort to save her, after seeing the state of the animal.

They noted the cub was very frail and her body was beginning to shut down.

The spokesman added: “Time was running out for this little cub.”

While treating the first cub, the team spotted a second, equally weak cub.

“Another one appeared… staggering towards the entrance of the den.

“Out of sheer desperation, he surrendered himself to our team in order to get the help he needed.”

Fearing more cubs could be in danger, the team searched the area but soon discovered the body of the mother fox nearby.

She had been involved in a car accident. No other cubs were found in the den.

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The rescue team worked urgently to stabilise the two cubs in their care. During the journey back to the centre, the smallest cub began to show signs of life.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue said the cub gasped and opened her eyes.

“The feelings were simply overwhelming.”

The centre said these were the first signs of hope for this cub and added: “Remarkably, the other cub was also starting to become much more lively too.”

Both fox cubs are now recovering in intensive care at the centre, receiving round-the-clock support.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue said: “We remain hopeful that we managed to get to them just in time to give them a second chance.

The rescue team have said they will update with their story as the cubs progress with the team of volunteers here at the centre.

They also thanked the lady who found the cub and called them for help.

The charity is monitoring the site for any further signs of cubs but does not expect to find more.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue relies on public donations to support its work with sick and injured animals.

A study by the University of Bristol found that as many as 60 per cent of urban fox populations die by car accidents.

In this study it was revealed that the death rate of fox cubs in the UK is notably high, with some estimates suggesting 20 per cent of cubs die before about six weeks old.