Police have arrested three boys after animals were allegedly killed at a school farm following a series of break-ins.

Chickens were found dead at Westlands secondary school in Westlands Avenue, Sittingbourne, last Thursday.

They were allegedly stamped on and kicked around the grounds.

It is thought two pregnant cows, a pregnant pig and piglets were also let out of their pens. A pig is also thought to have been kicked and beaten with sticks.

A number of animals were also set free and taps were left running overnight.

Police have now arrested three boys aged 12, 13, and 14, all from Sittingbourne, on suspicion of criminal damage and animal cruelty.

They have since been released while the investigation continues.

Swale Academies Trust principal Jon Whitcombe, who oversees the management of the Westlands Avenue school, earlier called the perpetrators “mindless hooligans”.