THREE teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty offences following an "unprovoked attack" on ducks in Salisbury.

Witnesses believe the suspects killed two ducks and injured other wild birds after firing missiles at the animals in The Maltings at 5.49pm yesterday (May 21).

Police rushed to the city centre to find three boys, aged between 13 and 17-years-old, holding catapults and rocks.

They were arrested for possessing offensive weapons and animal cruelty offences, according to a Facebook post from Salisbury police.

The force is now investigating the incident.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: "This was an intentional and unprovoked attack on these birds, causing distress not only to the animal, but also those families present in the area at the time.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated and those responsible will be dealt with robustly."

They added if anyone was in the area at this time and witnessed this incident, the public should report this to police via 101 quoting reference: 54210048602.

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