Hedgehog killed after firework is strapped to its head and set off

10 November 2019, 14:10

A hedgehog had to be put down after a firework was strapped to its head before being set off.

Police said “with great sadness” that the animal had to be put down after it suffered unsurvivable injuries in the incident in the village of Longton, Lancashire.

South Ribble Police said: “We have been made aware of an incident in the Longton area in which a firework has been attached to the head of a hedgehog and set off.

“It comes with great sadness to say that due to this incident the hedgehog has had to be put down due to the extent of it injuries.

“We request that anyone who may have any information regarding this incident come forward. The incident took place on Pendlebury Close in Longton yesterday evening.”

Residents told of their disgust. One person wrote: “This is sickening! An act of a very disturbed mind, not normal behaviour. To inflict such pain on a living animal. Someones knows who did this, do the right thing and name the culprit now!

Another person posted online: “That is horrific! You have to worry about the mental well-being of anyone who hates life and other living things to this extent. I wonder what else they could be capable of.”

A third said: “This is horrific! The poor hedgehog...how can anyone hurt a poor defenceless animal? If I found out that my child had done this, I would hand them in myself!”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log 1702 of the 8th November or report anonymously to crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.