The RSPCA has renewed its appeal for information after a duck was shot with stones fired from a slingshot in Cambridge.

The charity put out an appeal for information last month after a bird was injured after someone was seen firing a slingshot while riding a bike.

The incident happened at around 6pm at Stourbridge Common, in Cambridge on March 16.

The bird had suffered a fractured skull and brain trauma and their eye was also damaged, so the vet decided to put the duck to sleep as nothing more could be done to save him.

Since the appeal, a number of witnesses have come forward to say that three young boys may be able to provide vital information about the incident and the RSPCA has now released a photo of them.

RSPCA animal rescue officer David Allen said: “We are grateful to everyone who has come forward with information regarding what happened to this poor bird. 

“I have now been told that three boys were in the area at the time and may be able to help our enquiries we would therefore like to speak to anyone who has any information or can identify those in the image provided.”

Anyone who has any information about this incident to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident 01042499.”

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to take, injure or kill wild birds or to take, damage or destroy their eggs or nest whilst it is in use or being built.

The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.