AIRGUN thugs have attacked ducks on a pond in the picturesque tourist hamlet of Wycoller.

One duck was shot dead and another, which was popular with visitors because of its snowy white colour, was left with a badly injured wing.

Wycoller, near Colne, attracts visitors from near and far, and many regularly feed the ducks there.

A villager, who asked not to be named, said: "People bring their children down daily to feed the ducks. It's a very popular site for families.

"It's very sad that anyone would want to do this kind of thing. I wish I could get my hands on whoever did it."

Although it was not clear who carried out the attack, three teenage boys with an air rifle were seen in the area shortly afterwards. Park ranger Peter Short said he had spotted the lads walking out of the village but was unaware of the attack at the time.

Because the gun was in a cover and they were not doing anything illegal he did not question the teenagers.

"If anyone spots anything wrong or suspicious in Wycoller Country Park they should contact the ranger," he said.

"If they can't get through on the direct line they can telephone 01772 264709.

"The receptionist can get in touch with me on the radio and I can respond immediately to any problem."

RSPCA officers tried unsuccessfully to catch the injured bird but it managed to escape. A second attempt to help the animal was being tried today.

The police have also been informed about the attack, which happened soon after the RSPCA revealed figures which showed cases of animal cruelty were rocketing.

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