A GRANDFATHER has today spoken of his shock after his three hens were killed and two cockerels were stolen from his garden.

Naomi Gornall

A GRANDFATHER has today spoken of his shock after his three hens were killed and two cockerels were stolen from his garden.

Brian Lord, of Boyton Road, was woken up about 3.40am by his dogs barking and when he went outside to investigate, he realised the horror of what had happened.

Three of his beloved hens had their necks wrung, and two of his cockerels were missing, including the family pet Charlie. They were all kept in a pen and the cruel thieves had to cut off a padlock to reach inside.

Mr Lord, 75, said: “I heard the dogs barking so went out to the yard. I saw two youngsters out there. They ran between the greenhouse and shed and ran to the bottom of the garden and went over the fence. They broke my neighbour's gate to get out.

“I phoned the police. My wife and I were upset about it. We used to give the hen's eggs to the neighbours and the cockerel, Charlie, was our pet. Our grandchildren liked the cockerels too so they will miss them.

“I have kept hens and cockerels for more than 50 years but we had these ones for about a year.

“I don't know who would do this - there are some weird people around.”

The culprits left behind two other cockerels and five hens.

Police are looking for two white men, aged 17 to 18, who were seen around the time of the incident. One is described as wearing a grey hooded top with a white design on the back and the other was dressed in black.

If you can help police with their enquiries call Sgt Timothy Gregory at the South East Ipswich Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.