THE bodies of 12 birds were found "splattered" in the road near the River Severn in yet another suspected duck massacre in Upper Arley.

Neighbours say this is the third time ducks have been killed by a car, after more than 30 birds were found strewn across the road on the exact same date two years ago.

A similar incident had occurred a month earlier in 2017 where the bodies of 15 ducks were found in the same place.

Resident Lynne Dingley discovered the carcasses in the latest incident on Friday morning (September 20) and it is believed the ducks were killed the night before.

She told The Shuttle: "I found them at about 7am. I walked past and saw the tyre marks so it seems as if they've been hit by a car again. You could see the tyre marks going up and down the ramp and it looked like crows had been at the bodies.

"It's getting beyond a joke. This is a small village of natural beauty and people bring their children here to feed the ducks.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

"For them to turn up and find them splattered all over the road is not pleasant. It's just not acceptable."

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear about this incident and are very concerned that someone may have deliberately killed these ducks.

“It is difficult to imagine the suffering they endured or why anyone would intentionally harm wildlife in this way. Anyone with information should report it to us on 0300 1234 999.

“All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Neighbours are again calling for bollards to be installed on the road to stop further incidents.

Lynne added: "We were told two years ago that we couldn't have bollards because we can't block the road off but this is at least the third time this has happened.

"It's only pedestrians, fishermen and the river rescue that need to use that road. The river rescue could be given a key and the fishermen can leave their cars further up the ramp. No one else needs to be there."

Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for Highways at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Any death of an animal is very sad. Once the cause has been investigated then we will look into what can be done to the area.”

The Shuttle has approached West Mercia Police for comment.