CRUEL rabbit killers who went on a murdering spree have left three shocked families in mourning.

The blood soaked pets were discovered by their owners on Saturday morning.

All three animals had been taken from hutches in Pole Lane, Darwen, during the night, stabbed to death or strangled, then dumped in the garden.

One of the heartless pranks is also being linked to a theft from a car parked outside a victim's home.

Susan Ward, whose young dwarf lopped eared rabbit was targeted, said: "Dave was a 21st birthday present for our daughter, Beth. She is really upset.

"It was only a baby and was just left for us to find on the patio. The whole thing is really sick. "

Police have launched an investigation into the killings which have shocked the community.

Sergeant Tracie O'Gara of Darwen police said: "A lot of people, including children, have been left heartbroken by these sick attacks. We are treated them very seriously and would urgently like to hear from anybody who can help with our inquiries."

The attack follow a spate of pet thefts two months ago from the rear of homes in nearby Carr Road.

The animals, which included rabbits and guinea pigs, were either never found or discovered dead by their owners.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.