POLICE are investigating the death of a duck in a park.

The mallard bird suffered an injury to its neck, multiple fractures to a wing and possible crush injuries in Hellingly Country Park on Thursday.

Wildlife rescuer Trevor Weeks MBE claims several young boys were with the severely injured mallard and fled the scene as he approached.

He previously told The Argus how he was left "physically sick" after finding the duck struggling to breathe following the "horrific" incident.

Despite the best efforts of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS), the mallard died at the scene.

Officers are working with WRAS as enquiries continue, and are urging anyone with any information on the matter to come forward.

PCSO Steve Skerman said: “The nature of the duck’s injuries lead us to believe they were caused intentionally by a human, rather than another animal.

“To think a person would attack a defenceless animal in this way is shocking.

"I have four ducks as family pets at home, so can completely understand how upsetting this incident is.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen four males running away from the vicinity of Sheepwash pond in Hellingly Country Park.”

Anyone with information is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 887 of 22/07.