Police are probing the death of former Countryside Alliance chairman Richard Ovenstone, whose body was discovered at the foot of a seaside cliff. The 48-year-old pro-hunting campaigner from Harvington, near Kidderminster, had been missing for two days when his body was discovered by lifeguards. He was found close to the Cornish resort of Padstow and last night mystery still surrounded his death. A post mortem examination concluded that Mr Ovenstone died from head and body injuries consistent with a fall. An inquest has been opened and adjourned. Devon and Cornwall Police are not treating the death as suspicious but a Kidderminster Police spokeswoman confirmed that officers had searched Mr Ovenstones house. East Cornwall coroners officer David Lethbridge said: To all intents and purposes he hasnt left any note. We have to establish whether its an accident or whether he jumped. We just dont know at this stage. Mr Ovenstone joined the Countryside Alliance several years ago as a volunteer before becoming county chairman. A spokesman for the group said: Richard was liked and respected by all who worked with him and he will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Alliance. He leaves behind a wife, Jane, and a son, Tom. A fox-hunting campaigner preparing to take legal action against those who accuse him of cruelty has called in the police after receiving telephone threats to his life and property. Iain Harris, 66, who has thousands of pro-hunt supporters backing his initiative after placing an advert in Hare & Hound magazine, said the threatening calls would not deter him. Mr Harris, who lives near Tiverton, Devon, said: The law does not define hunting as cruel. It is a lawful activity in England and Wales. We have more than 10,000 people backing us. He said the target of the legal action would be public figures and organisations who branded hunters cruel. | 
