A PET duck had its skull smashed with a brick in one of two savage attacks carried out by a gang of teenagers.

Another duck targeted by the yobs was badly injured and has had to have extensive veterinary treatment costing hundreds of pounds.

Mum Sandra Russell and her children have been left heartbroken by the attacks, which are being investigated by the police and the RSPCA.

The family was out each time the teenagers entered the garden of their house at Colbourne Close, Bransgore.

Miss Russell, 46, said: "On the first occasion four teenagers were seen firing catapults at the ducks. They then climbed over the fence and started hitting them with bricks or pieces of wood.

"One of the ducks suffered a fractured skull and bled to death.

"The culprits came back the next day and did the same thing. One of the ducks involved in the second attack suffered two major wounds, plus a broken leg, and has had veterinary treatment costing £300.

"Another duck was also injured but didn't need treatment."

The ducks were hand-reared and just seven months old. Miss Russell broke down as she described the attacks and the impact on her two children, Matthew, 13, and 11-year-old Rebecca.

"Their animals are their passion," she said.

A police spokesman described the incidents as "appalling".

He added: "According to our information, a brick was thrown over the fence, killing one duck and injuring another. On the second occasion at least one other duck was injured and may die."

Chief Inspector Robbie Roberts of the RSPCA confirmed that one of his inspectors was also investigating the incidents.