TWO women have spoken out after somebody started killing frogs in an ornamental lake.

Ann Marie Coston and Julie Burrell found dead and maimed frogs around the Victor Pasmore Pavilion Lake, in the Sunny Blunts area of Peterlee.

Mrs Burrell said someone had stamped on the frogs and fished out frog spawn and left it on the banks.

The frogs had just started to re-appear in the lake after a number of years and the women, who live nearby, have pledged to keep a watch on their welfare.

Mrs Burrell added: I can't believe people can be so cruel, but we are determined to look out for the frogs.''

Easington District Council has launched an inquiry into the matter but said frogs were not a protected species.