Disgusted residents have spoken of their outrage after a series of attacks in which hedgehogs were kicked to death and shot in West Malling.

Many took to social media after two hedgehogs were found dead and mutilated – one missing its face – on the town’s cricket field on Saturday.

It’s thought to be the latest in a series of killings carried out by a gang of teenage thugs.

“I’ve just walked my dog around the cricket field and I saw such a sad sight,” said Suzanne Seed, after discovering the dead animals on Saturday. “Two hedgehogs had been used as footballs and kicked to death, a lady who lives opposite said two older youths were responsible late last night. It’s really upset my weekend for me to think we have such cruelty in our society.”

Megan Sowa said she had also seen the dead animals, and discovered a metal pellet nearby.

“I was walking past the cricket field next to West Malling primary school and noticed the hedgehogs on the grass,” she said. “They were spaced apart, and both were dead. I found a small bullet/pellet next to one of them.

“I spoke to some local residents and apparently this hedgehog cruelty is not new behaviour. There are numerous accounts of youths/teens kicking and torturing hedgehogs along that road.

“To be honest I couldn’t say if I’m more saddened, horrified or angered at the incident. Such blatant animal cruelty should not be tolerated and those responsible need to be held accountable.”

Posting on Facebook, other residents said they had seen similar attacks in the past - one stating they had seen two teenagers carrying an adult hedgehog in a hoodie, tormenting it before dumping it on top of a car.

Others voiced their anger over the attacks, adding: “What on earth could’ve happened to someone that they could do such a wicked thing?

“I hope who is responsible feels bad but then again if they do this to poor defenceless animals they have no feelings,” said another, while one added: “Absolutely disgusting, words fail me.”

Having visited the RSPCA site, Megan said she was directed to Garden Wildlife Health project – a multi-agency project which monitors the health of British Wildlife – but was told the incident did not fall under their remit.

Other residents said they had reported the incident to Kent Police and the RSPCA, but no officers attended.

Neither Kent Police or the RSPCA could find an official record of the reports.

An RSPCA spokesman added: “What we can say is that if anyone has any information about incidents of suspected animal cruelty then they can call the RPSCA on 0300 1234 999.”