A quiet Sheppey community has been left reeling with shock after a gang of knife-wielding youths launched a violent and barbaric attack on a helpless pet duck in its own back garden.
The nightmare unfolded at a residential property in Church Road, Eastchurch, late on Saturday night when a terrified homeowner discovered three teenagers trespassing on her property. In a stomach-churning display of cruelty, the young thugs held the defenseless bird down, systematically plucking and cutting its feathers while a knife was brandished in the darkness. Kent Police rushed to the scene following an urgent emergency call at approximately 9.37pm, but the callous attackers had already fled into the night.
Detectives have now launched a manhunt to bring the brutal culprits to justice and are appealing to the public for urgent help. The suspects are described as three white boys aged around 14 or 15 years old. The first suspect is tall with blonde hair, dressed in an England football shirt and chino shorts. His accomplice is described as stocky with dark blonde or brown hair, wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts. The third boy, also sporting an England football shirt paired with blue shorts, is described as slim with blonde hair.
A frantic investigation is underway as officers comb through local CCTV footage in a bid to track down those responsible for this horrific act.
Kent Police are urging anyone who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, or who has any information that could help identify the suspects, to call 01795 419119 immediately, quoting reference 46/112455/26. Alternatively, members of the public can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their online form.