A PIGEON was killed and two others maimed after their loft was targeted during an allotment break-in.

One of the injured birds had its tail feathers removed while the other one had both its legs broken and had to be destroyed after the incident in Shildon, County Durham.

Most of the 48 plots at Auckland Terrace allotments were damaged or had items stolen from them sometime between 6pm on Sunday and 7am, yesterday (Monday, September 28).

A lawnmower from one of the sheds was found burnt out in an adjacent field.

It was the third time since March that the allotments had been targeted by thieves.

Secretary Michael Graham described the incidents as “wanton destruction” and said there was nothing left at the site to steal.

He said: “The owners of the pigeon lofts put a lot of money and time into what they do.

“I think everyone is just fed up.

“They are breaking in just for the sake of it and for something to do.

“They have gone through just about every plot.

“Gates have been ripped off, locks broken off the sheds, and when they get inside they’ve just pulled everything apart and made a complete mess.”

Durham Police are investigating the incident and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

Call the police’s non-emergency line 101.