Spanish police said they have broken up a gang that organised illegal hunting trips for specialised clients, arresting 48 people and seizing 350 animal trophies.

They also seized dozens of guns, mostly hunting rifles, three bows and six knives used in the hunts, police said in a statement.

The clients sought to hunt protected species, but also other animals "at a lower price than those offered through legal means."

The gang contacted their clients through an intermediary "who knew the world of hunting well" and who placed discreet ads in specialised publications. Another member of the group captured the particular animal sought by the client and a hunt was arranged in the Sierra de Gredos national park in central Spain.

The gang also had the animals stuffed at a taxidermist for their clients, who paid between €2,500 and €5,000 each for the whole service.