THE head coach of Ramsbottom Angling Association has blasted the 'sickening' shooting of several animals. 

Over the weekend ducklings, a large tench and a seagull were found dead in areas which the anglers frequent.

Head coach, David Marshall, said the tench had a pellet in its head when found.

The areas targeted include Bury Lido, Clarence Park and the surrounding areas.

The association believes that it is the work of a group of youths, who they say were spotted by local residents in the area with air rifles.

David said: "Through talking to the public, we believe that it was around 10 to15 youths on either Saturday night or Sunday morning, going around the area with a couple of air rifles.

"It is sickening. Not just for us but for the children and public who visit the areas. For people to have to see little ducklings with missing heads is horrible.

"The tench was very big and for it to be in that place probably means it was breeding, which makes killing it even more disgusting to be honest."

The association added on Facebook: "It is vitally important that anyone witnessing such behaviour, once safe to do so, reports any live incidents via 999 to the police. "This is a serious matter and these people need dealing with.

"Thank you in advance for your assistance to protect our Lido.

"If anyone sees anyone with these guns please don’t approach, just call 999 and report. They have to be stopped."

The association added: "Apart from the very obvious cruelty to animals and danger to the public:

• It is an offence to possess an air rifle in a public place.

• It is an offence for anyone under 18 to possess an air rifle, unless on private land, with permission and supervised by someone over 21yrs.

• It is an offence to kill (intentionally/recklessly) certain wild animals or birds."

Greater Manchester Police and the North West Environment Agency have been contacted for comment.