Slingshot used to injure and kill pigeons

The incidents happened between 8 and 15 August

Police have launched an investigation after two youths were seen killing pigeons with a slingshot.

A number of the birds have been discovered deceased across Clevedon in North Somerset. More than 50 injured birds have been taken to Backwell's Curious Critters rescue sanctuary, but about half have not survived.

Curious Critters said: "We cannot let them die just because there are some evil people in this world committing atrocious acts."

Avon and Somerset Police said it was carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area and encouraged anyone who witnessed similar incidents to get in touch.

Warning: This article contains potentially distressing images and descriptions of graphic injuries.

In England, it is illegal to intentionally harm, kill or injure pigeons under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, for which you could incur a six month prison sentence.

Footage from doorbell cameras show young men catapulting ball bearings at pigeons, before walking off.

One pigeon was left with a broken jaw and swelling to the side of its face, leaving it unable to open its right eye

Curious Critters, which rehabilitates and releases wild birds, said on its Facebook page all birds in its care have been checked over by a vet.

It said: "We are now continuing their care including pain relief, tube feeding and wound care.

"We have more coming in today with bullet holes, and others that are injured are still trying to be caught.

"We're not set up to take this number of casualties."

The sanctuary added that many pigeons were recently "found hanging from trees and decapitated", with those responsible still unidentified.

It said it was also concerned over the fate of six missing cats from the area, after two cats were rushed to the vet with similar injuries and one lost an eye.

Avon and Somerset Police said the incidents happened between 8 and 15 August in the Hazel Close, Kenn Road and Newlands Green areas of Clevedon.