Raymond Powell (80) discovered the bloodbath at his freeholding off Gashouse Lane, Eckington, on Saturday lunchtime where at least 12 of his birds had been killed.

Mr Powell, who lives on Castle Hill, Eckington, said: "Someone broke the locks off the sheds, killed the hens and just left them there.
"I can't understand why anyone would kill them for no reason at all. They are vicious people whoever they are."

The great-grandfather, who has about 60 hens on the site, attends to them daily and describes them as his pets.

It is thought the attack took place between 7.30pm on Friday and 12.30pm on Saturday. Police said the hens had been released from their shed before being battered to death with a brick.

Pc Bryan Clarke, who is investigating the incident, said: "The victim has kept livestock at this location for many years and he cannot understand how or why anyone would cause such suffering to his hens.

"This mindless act has caused much distress to the victim and his family.

"It is hoped that local residents will come forward with information about who carried out this attack."

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the Gashouse Lane free-holding should contact Derbyshire Police on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


READ MORE
Main news index
Letters
Local sport
Music and gig scene