TWO Dorchester people have been released after being questioned over a series of blackmail offences linked to animal rights extremism.

A 39-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were arrested after police officers went to their Dorchester home yesterday morning.

Both were arrested on suspicion of blackmail offences linked with Darley Oaks Farm in Newchurch, Staffordshire, which bred guinea pigs for scientific research.

The man was released without charge and the woman was released on police bail several hours later. She is due to answer her bail on May 8.

Darley Oaks Farm closed last year shortly after activists stole the body of Gladys Hammond - a relative of farm owners John and Christopher Hall - from her grave. Her remains were returned 18 months after being snatched after a tip off to police and she was later reburied.

Police have not said the two arrested yesterday were linked to the theft of the body.

The pair were taken to West Weymouth Police Station while officers from Staffordshire Police's public order and protest unit searched their home.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Officers arrested two people in Dorchester, as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of blackmail offences linked to animal rights extremism.

"The alleged offences involve threatening letters and emails sent to a number of individuals and companies across the UK.

"Most of the victims had or have connections with animal research organisations. One of the companies had links with Darley Oaks Farm in Newchurch, Staffordshire, which bred guinea pigs for research until January 2006."

The investigation has involved seven other forces.