TWO swans have been bludgeoned to death by a group of youths in Beckenham.

The youngsters chased after one of the birds in Kelsey Park and ripped branches off trees to beat it once they had caught it.

They then chased another, caught it and beat it to death.

The attacks by the group of around six youngsters, who are believed to be aged around 15, took place in the park, off Manor Way, on Wednesday (March 5) between 5pm and 5.30pm.

RSPCA inspector Inspector Lucy Chillery said: "Both attacks were vicious and utterly senseless.

"There was so much vegetation in the area that the birds did not have chance to take off and once the attackers were between the swans and the water they had no escape."

Anyone who was in the park at the time of the attack and can identify who killed the birds should call the RSPCA cruelty hotline on 03001 234999.

Or call the police on 0208 284 8855.