A HEDGEHOG was killed after it was kicked around like a football by a group of youths in Stourport, according to the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity is appealing for information following the incident in Kylemilne Way on Sunday, July 16, at around 1.30am.

A member of the public contacted the RSPCA after witnessing two males, who are thought to be in their late teens, kicking the hedgehog in the street as they walked past with a group of six or seven people.

RSPCA Inspector Mark Lewis said: "It is hard to imagine why anyone would want to deliberately attack an animal in this horrific and callous way.

"It is shocking and upsetting and we desperately need to hear from anyone who may know anything about this incident.

"We are very grateful to the member of the public who tried to save the hedgehog and thank them for their help and support.

"Hedgehogs are in decline in the UK so anything we can do to protect them is vital."

Mr Lewis added: "The person who contacted us is absolutely devastated by what they witnessed as she had been feeding the hedgehog in her garden.

"Thankfully, she was able to find and rescue the baby hedgehogs who had been left behind after the death of their parent."

Anyone with any information about the incident should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.