Hens and duck killed in shooting in Northumberland
Seventeen hens and a duck have been shot dead in an allotment in Northumberland.
Police said the birds were targeted over two days near the back garden of a house in Margaret Street, Widdrington.
Fourteen hens and a duck were killed overnight on Sunday. A hen and a duck were also injured.
The offenders returned in the early hours of Tuesday, shooting and killing three hens. It is believed they used an air weapon.
Police said they climbed on to a fence to take aim at the birds.
They also stole a duck during the second incident.
Officers described the shootings as "extremely cruel and distressing" and appealed for information.