Thugs have left children at a Broadstairs school devastated after killing two of its pet chickens.

Youngsters at Bromstone Primary School were in tears after head teacher Nigel Utton broke news of an attack on their chicken coop.

One chicken was left decapitated next to a classroom and another had disappeared after their home in the school grounds was targeted.

Both the chickens were part of a clutch of eggs, hatched and nurtured by school youngsters from chicks to adults.

Mr Utton said: "It was really tough telling a group of five- to 11-year-olds that our chickens, which they had seen through from eggs, had been killed.

"They were very upset and in tears. They had had them for nearly three years. It is horrible.

"Ironically this happened at the start of our week on restorative justice.

"I told the children that these people had done something very, very wrong and bad, and as part of our restorative justice we would invite the people to come to talk to the children about what they had done and why they had done it.

"Let's see if they have the courage to come forward."

Pupil Nuala, seven, said: "When I found out I cried and cried all through break."

Her friend Leonnie, seven, said: "I was really sad. I don't know how anyone could hurt chickens like this."

"I was really sad. I don't know how anyone could hurt chickens like this..." - seven-year-old pupil Leonnie

Mr Utton added: "The children absolutely love the animals and care for them very well.

"Some of our special needs children who find more academic work very hard spend hours looking after and caring for the chickens."

Unfortunately no clear images were captured on CCTV. The school is investigating ways of increasing its security.

The attack was discovered by a school groundsman on Sunday, November 29.

Foxes were initially blamed, but it was discovered the coop door had been ripped away and the bolt had been prised off – suggesting people were responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 101, quoting crime reference ZY/36725/13, or the school direct on 01843 867010.

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