ANIMAL welfare officers have condemned two heartless youths who allegedly killed a “defenceless” duck in a cruel act.

A mortified witness account saw yobs kill a female duck using a toy ‘catapult’ as a weapon close to the Black Star in Stourport on Saturday April 14.

Discarded packaging from the weapon was found when the duck was killed. The police are currently investigating the matter.

Stourport residents were horrified by the incident and an investigating officer has launched a witness appeal for more information.

A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: "We're very concerned to hear about this incident and will assist the local police in investigating if needed.

“It is very distressing to think that people could take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to a defenceless animal.

“Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to deliberately take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs, unless under licence.

“The maximum penalty, if found guilty of intent, is six months in prison and a £5,000 fine."

“We urge anyone who witnessed the incident to call the Police on 101, or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.”

The youths in question were described aged between 16-17, one wearing a blue baseball cap and blue Adidas top, and the other one with black leggings and a grey top about 5.8 in height.

They were seen with a younger boy around the age of 10 with a black jacket tied around his waist.

Those who have any information regarding the incident are urged to report this to the police by contacting on 101 quoting the reference 511s140418.