‘Sick’ Chorley youths throwing frogs at each other (From Lancashire Telegraph)

‘Sick’ Chorley youths throwing frogs at each other

9:52am Monday 12th July 2010 in Buckshaw By Sam Chadderton, Reporter

VICTIM: The group targeted amphibians

SHOCKED residents called police when they saw a group of 10 children throwing frogs at each other.

Residents in Baker Close, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, saw the youngsters aged from six up to 14 years old, throwing stones at the frogs.

One resident said that what had started off as curious children collecting the amphibians in jars, turned into ‘extreme’ behaviour.

He said: “We are close to green corridors and there has been a lot of frogs in the waterways in front of our houses.

“A couple of days before, they had been putting them in containers.

"But then the older children – the main culprits – started chucking them at each other and putting them down the tube of a ‘Deep Water’ sign.

“At one stage a frog must have died and they were flipping it up and trying to hit it with a metal bike lock chain.

"There must have been four of five frogs being thrown abo-ut.”

Neighbours shouted at the youngsters to stop, but Neil said they were left with no option but to call police.

The resident added: “I was shocked, especially at the older ones who should be setting a good example in how to treat wildlife.

“It was outside their own houses so you would think their parents would make sure they keep out of trouble.

“The police presence must have done something. They seemed to have a good firm word with them and they’ve not been back.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary confirmed they had received a report of a group of 10 children ‘throwing frogs at passers-by’.

They sent a patrol vehicle to the scene, but did not find ‘any evidence’ of dead frogs.

PC Duncan Thomas, wildlife officer for Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Buckshaw Village is a relatively new development.

"As part of the plan, builders made particular efforts towards both maintaining and enhancing the wildlife habitats.

“It’s a shame that these youths have gained some sort of sick enjoyment out of abusing these amphibians in this way.

“We urge the general public to report all wildlife incidents on 0845 1253545.”