A college is set to heighten its security after endangered birds and eggs were injured and stolen from their coops.

Police received reports of two rare geese, one duck and their eggs being stolen from Hadlow College overnight on Saturday.

It is believed that the wire to the coop, in which the high-valued animals were kept, was cut in order for the animals and their eggs to be taken.

College workers fear the birds could have suffered injuries during the theft which happened between 7pm on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday at the college site in Tonbridge Road.

The thieves are reported to have stolen a female Laysan Teal duck and 12 eggs, a female Nene goose and five eggs and a female Maned goose and 12 eggs.

A spokesman for the college revealed a number of birds left behind were hurt while the others were plucked from the site.

They said: “This is an extremely upsetting situation for us. The birds would have suffered considerable distress and potential injury during the theft.

“We are looking at improving security around the site and are working with Kent Police on the matter.

“Incidents like this are hugely damaging to the animals, whilst also denying our students the privilege to work with these endangered species, which we have been breeding as part of a conservation programme."

Anyone with information that can help is asked to call Kent Police appeals line on 01622 604100 or email west.division.media.appeals@Kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference YY/010371/17.

Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.