A CHICKEN was killed and another injured after attackers kicked or stamped on them at an allotment in Lowestoft.

A CHICKEN was killed and another injured after attackers kicked or stamped on them at an allotment in Lowestoft.

A third chicken disappeared following the attack and the RSPCA last night appealed for help to track down the offenders.

The incident at the Church Green allotments happened during the night of Thursday, October 2, or the early hours of the following morning.

The owners kept their seven hens in a secure run on the corner of Church Road and Rotterdam Road, and metal clips, which secured the wire of the run to its base, had been undone.

Footprints were discovered in mud next to the run and the attack was reported to the police and RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Lucille Reed said: “This was a deliberate attack, which would have caused these birds a great deal of distress and resulted in painful injuries and the death of one of them.

“It is inexcusable and cowardly to harm animals and we need to make sure that whoever is responsible for this attack is found.”

Anyone found guilty of animal cruelty could face up to six months in prison and a £20,000 fine.

- Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.