AN animal lover watched in horror as two youngsters tortured a defenceless pigeon in broad daylight.

Linda Watcham was driving home from Clacton's B&Q store when she witnessed the attack near Highfield Grange, in London Road.

"These two lads were on the opposite side of the road,” said Mrs Watcham, of Cliff Parade, Walton.

“It looked like they were throwing a frisbee.

“I slowed right down, thinking they were going to run out into the road because they weren't looking, and saw it was a pigeon. It fluttered to the ground and then one of the boys kicked it.”

The bird was unable to escape its attackers.

“He was kicking the hell out of it, like it was a ball,” said Mrs Watcham.

“They were about 12 years old – enough to know better. Any child should know you are not supposed to do something like that.”

The incident happened at about 3.45pm last Thursday.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “This sounds like a callous and utterly pointless attack on a bird, which would have suffered a great deal from such an attack.

“It is hard to imagine what could motivate such senseless violence towards an animal. We urge anyone with any information about this incident or any other act of animal cruelty to call us on 0300 1234 999 so we can investigate.”

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs. The maximum penalty is six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.