POLICE investigating a string of bizarre animal slaughters have warned pet owners to be on guard against "a very sick person or gang."

The owners of three pet rabbits woke on Saturday morning to find the bodies of their pets dumped in the garden of their homes in Pole Lane, Darwen.

Police believe a screwdriver may have been used to stab two. The third victim may have been strangled.

Sgt Tracie O'Gara said: "Families have been left heartbroken by these horrific attacks and we treating the incidents very seriously.

"The victims of these crimes are not just the animals, they are the children who own them. The person, or people, who carried them out must be caught quickly because they are obviously sick."

Sgt O'Gara is now urging people to be extra-vigilant and report any similar attacks and suspicious incidents.

She added: "We need more information, or even witnesses, who may have seen someone acting suspiciously during the night of last Friday, November 7."

Anyone with information can contact Darwen Police on 01254 701777.

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