Police from the southern city of Tra Vinh busted a cockfight ring on Saturday afternoon, arresting 21 people.

The suspects, 15 men and six women, attempted to flee the scene, a deserted lot near Long Duc Industrial Park, forcing officers to fire warning shots, the local police department said.

At the scene, police confiscated ten roosters, three pairs of spurs, six rolls of tape, VND126 million (US$5,756) in cash, 18 motorbikes and 19 cellphones, amongst other objects.

All the suspects are now in custody, but no one has admitted to running the illegal operation, according to initial reports.

Tra Vinh police are carrying out interrogation and investigation to unlock the case.

There has been growing concern over this cockfight ring for the past few months in the area.

Cockfights are considered illegal in Vietnam but many still discreetly engage in them as a means of gambling.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!