Police and local residents are appealing for information after a hedgehog was subjected to a brutal and sustained attack by a group of young men last month.
The incident happened at around 11.30pm on Friday, 4 July near the junction of Cordingham Close and McDonald Parade. Two witnesses saw a large, healthy hedgehog walking along the road moments before the group began violently and repeatedly kicking the animal, propelling it an estimated 200 yards down the street.
A third witness rushed from her home to rescue the hedgehog and took it to a local wildlife rehabilitator. Despite urgent care, the animal died shortly after arrival.
A post-mortem examination revealed catastrophic injuries, including broken spines to the head, severe brain and ear trauma, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, muscle damage, a partial liver tear, and a torn abdominal wall. The cause of death was determined to be blood loss from the liver injury, sustained through traumatic impact.
Kent Police confirmed that CCTV footage from moments before the attack had been recovered, but the images were of poor quality and no suspects have been identified. Officers said further investigation was not considered in the public interest due to resource constraints in cases involving wildlife.
The wildlife carer who tried to save the animal is urging anyone with information to come forward, believing the attackers may have bragged about their actions.
“This was a vicious and sustained attack that caused immense suffering before this animal died. Someone must know who these boys or men are. Even if the CCTV is grainy, people who know them will recognise how they look and sound,” they said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 101, quoting the incident details, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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