RSPCA condemns hedgehog attacks

The RSPCA hopes to find the owner of the hammer

The RSPCA in Devon has condemned a "brutal and cowardly" attack in which a hedgehog and her baby were bludgeoned to death.

RSPCA officers are appealing for help to trace the owner of a hammer used to attack the animals in Exeter.

They were found lying next to the hammer under a tree, on a grass verge at Lloyd Crescent on Wednesday.

RSPCA Insp Pete Barton said: "We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward."

"The bodies were found in a busy residential area and we are hoping that somebody will have information about this incident, or perhaps even recognise the hammer as belonging to someone they know."

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 08705 555999. Calls are treated in confidence.