Ducklings killed by 'heartless yobs'
A Stafford school is in shock after the killing of six ducklings by heartless yobs.
The ducklings were nesting in a courtyard of Marshlands Primary on Lansdowne Way when they were killed.
Seven others, which were also in the nest, are missing and teachers at the Wildwood special school say pupils are "heartbroken."
Police are treating the incident so seriously they have sent in specialist scenes of crimes officers.
RSPCA vets are set to carry out post mortems on the ducklings to discover exactly how they died, though it is understood that they showed signs of a violent attack.
The attack took place between 7.30pm on Tuesday and 6.30am yesterday.
The trespassers responsible got into the schools quadrangle and killed the ducklings but did not break into the school or steal anything, making staff at Marshlands even more puzzled as to why the attack took place.
The mother of all 13 ducklings, who made the school her home shortly before Easter, is still alive and was not harmed during the incident.
Helen Brockway, deputy head teacher at the school, said: "Something magical happened during the Easter break – a wild duck hatched 13 ducklings in a small area in the centre of the school which has a small pond surrounded by greenery.
"Advice on how to care for the birds was sought from the RSPB and they told us the ducklings would thrive.
"The school community were in awe of these ducklings and we have enjoyed watching them thrive and develop.
"The children spent time watching and observing them without disturbing the family and one class named each of the 13 ducklings.
"As a school community we are now devastated by the brutal and unnecessary deaths of these vulnerable creatures. Telling our pupils has been a very difficult task.
"We are a school about promoting good in people, so understanding how someone can do such a deliberate vicious act is almost impossible to explain."
Inspector Rob Pilling, the commander of Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Unit appeal for anyone with information to contact Pc Steve Thornton on 0300 1234455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
