An animal lover was so sickened by a spate of attacks on ducks, that she has offered a reward to help catch the attackers.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, offered £50 for information leading to the conviction of people responsible for killing and maiming ducks in the Wantage area.

The attacks on birds living near Letcombe Brook have been blamed on a gang of youths seen terrorising birds during the Easter school holidays. In one incident, a duck was found with large staples embedded in its beak, eye and skull. Other ducks had legs severed and had stones and logs thrown at them.

The donor said: "I wanted to put up a reward in the hope that it leads to the conviction of the perpetrators."

The reward was welcomed by Wantage Police.

Wantage area beat officer Pc Tony Leach said: "We take attacks such as these seriously.

"Ducks are part and parcel of Wantage. We see them walking around and they give the town its character. We don't want attacks like this and neither do the residents. We have had a good response from the public but hopefully the mention of £50 might loosen tongues.

"It is a generous offer from a local resident acting off her own back. It shows how sickened people were."

Contact Pc Leach with information on 01235 776048.