A SHOCKED animal lover discovered two ducks had been killed outside her Worcester home.

Residents of Tintern Avenue in Astwood had been visited by two wild ducks for a number of years - but were appalled to find their bodies lying in a gutter.

Caroline Richardson, who lives along the road, discovered the ducks lying next to each other on the evening of Saturday, April 19.

"I had seen them at least half-an-hour earlier dipping in the puddles. There were no signs they had been run over," she said.

"These ducks were not afraid of humans, they would come to you. They were companions, beautiful to watch together. Myself, I am heart-broken and the rest of the neighbours are upset and shocked."

Miss Richardson contacted the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line to explain how she found them, without any signs of them being run over or being attacked by animals.

However, the animal charity said they were unable to do anything unless there were witnesses.

"I have knocked on neighbours' doors seeking witnesses but no one seems to have seen or heard anything. They have been visiting us for years and they don't cause any problems and nobody really troubles them," she said.

"I am just so upset about it, I couldn't stop crying when I found them and can't believe that anyone would do anything that cruel. This goes to show what a cruel, spiteful society we all live in."

Neighbour David Tetsell said they had seen the ducks alive that evening and can't understand why someone would kill them.

"We have never had any problems in this area," he said. "I just can't understand it. When we fed the ducks they would take the bread out of your hand. It is really sad this has happened."

Miss Richardson, who has now buried the bodies, is now appealing for witnesses to come forward and has urged people to ring the RSPCA hotline with information.

A spokesman for the charity said they were unable to investigate a case unless there was a witness to animal cruelty and they had reason to believe the circumstances of their deaths were suspicious.

She said: "We have notified the local inspector and if anyone knows anything please contact us."

If you have any information, contact the RSPCA National Cruelty and Advice line on 0300 1234 999.