A brutal incident in which a schoolboy kicked a duck to death has been described as "extremely worrying."

On Friday a boy thought to be aged between 11 and 13 years-old was spotted in Roundhills, Waltham Abbey attacking the mallard.

Wearing his school uniform, he repeatedly kicked the animal in the head before tossing its lifeless body into the garden of a nearby house.

Two members of the public confronted the boy and his friend, but they were too late to save the bird.

When an officer from the RSPCA arrived they found the a bloodied corpse with extensive damage to the head, throat and face.

Carina Powney, the Waltham Abbey Green Party's animal welfare and wildlife spokesperson, said: "I am a voice for issues to do with animal welfare and wildlife. We are really horrified to read about this.

"We hope that if anybody knows anything they do the right thing. There are a couple of witnesses.

"I just can't understand it. It is not the kind of thing that most people with a conscience would do.

"It is extremely worrying. This child is going to need some help. It has really upset me.

"If they could do this to a duck, what next?"

An appeal has been launched by the RSPCA to find to track down the boys and find the second witness.

Rachel Smith, RSPCA inspector, said: “This was a completely barbaric attack on a defenceless duck and I am very keen to hear from anyone with information that can lead me to the three youths and, in particular, the one responsible for this attack.

Call Inspector Smith with information on 0300 123 8018.