Teenagers allegedly fired a catapult at a gull and killed it before abandoning its body outside a house.

A witness said she saw a group of boys attacking the black-headed bird in a garden in Packham Road, Northfleet, and then picked it up by its wing on Saturday (March 8).

A gull was later found dead outside another house in the same road and was taken to the RSPCA Mallydams Wildlife Centre, in Hastings.

X-rays revealed the bird’s right elbow and wing bone had been shattered by a metal shot.

Animal rescue officer Adam Tasker said: “It is really sad this beautiful bird appears to have died after being deliberately targeted, perhaps as part of a cruel game and went on to experience horrendous injuries before dying.

“The x-rays showed there was a round metallic foreign object eight millimetres in diameter near the bird’s right elbow.

“It caused a fracture which involved the humerus, radius and ulna and was consistent with a high impact trauma from being shot by a catapult.

“We are appealing for anyone who has any information about those responsible for this senseless killing to contact the RSPCA.”

Wild birds, including gulls, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 meaning it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take them except under licence.

Lead wildlife officer Geoff Edmond added: “We are really concerned to hear about incidents like this and it is particularly concerning to hear suggestions this attack may have been undertaken by younger people.

“It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for fun like this.

“While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly the RSPCA’s experience shows that there are people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with airguns, catapults and crossbows.

“These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.”

Anyone with information is asked asked to contact the RSPCA’s appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01465879.

A KentOnline investigation previously revealed how animal abusers are posting videos of their horrific deeds on social media sites such as TikTok.

Last month, a 16-year-old was arrested after video footage was shared of the moment a teenager posed and held up a dead seagull by its wings in Ashford.

Three gulls were said to have died after being shot at with catapults.