FOUR youngsters - one just nine years old - have been questioned about a vicious attack on a lamb which left it with two broken legs.

The lamb had to be destroyed following the attack, during which an eyewitness claimed she saw a group of young thugs kicking it and hitting it with a stick.

Police in Bromsgrove have been quizzing four boys, one aged 9, two 11-year-olds and one aged 13.

The alleged beating happened on Monday, April 29 at Fox Walk Farm, in Grafton Lane, Bromsgrove.

A local vet, who said he was "appalled" at the lamb's injuries, had to put it to sleep.

"We received a great many calls from the public about this incident," said a West Mercia police spokesman.

"In particular, other youngsters were shocked that this could happen."

Jane Newell, whose husband owns the farm, was devastated.