THE RSPCA has condemned the dropping of a hedgehog from a block of flats as an 'appalling act."

Witnesses saw a group of youths – some thought to be as young as nine – climbing on a flat roof of the three-storey Hertford Court on the Spring Lane estate at Canterbury.

One saw the hedgehog dropped off the 12ft high first floor roof into the road. It was then 'kicked like a football’ by youngsters on a lawn before being dumped in a hedge.

A witness, who asked not to be named, said: “This was a wicked, wicked thing and I fear for other animals on the estate. There are loads of cats and I have fed several hedgehogs in my garden over the past few weeks.”

Another resident, who also asked not be identified, said: “This was a shocking thing to do to any animal. I couldn’t believe it.”

An RSCPA inspector collected the hedgehog and took it to a vet to establish the cause of death. A spokeswoman said: “It is absolutely appalling that these idiots could do this to a hedgehog.

"We will be investigating this as fully as we can but prosecutions depend on people giving us names and addresses.”

The aninal welfare group has issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward and says any information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA on 0870 5555999.