SCHOOLCHILDREN were left distraught after dead ducks were dumped on a wall outside a block of flats.

Six ducks, which appeared to have been shot, were found in Gordons, Pitsea, by parents on the school run.

Some of the animals had been beheaded.

Basildon Council’s street scene team has since cleaned up the carcasses – but one head and a patch of blood remains.

Emma King, 37, of Gordons, who is mum to 12-year-old Ella and one yearold Alfie, said: “My daughter had to walk past the ducks on her way back from school, and she’s been really upset ever since.

“It looks like someone has being shooting them in the lake at Northlands Park and then dumping them in our street, but I just don’t understand why.

“It’s disgusting. The smell was awful, I feel really sorry for the people living in the flats right opposite.”

Imelda Clancy, Independence councillor for Pitsea North West, has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the council, the RSPCA or the police.

She added: “I’m disgusted. People who go around killing innocent animals for pleasure are sick.

“It makes you wonder what these people who have access to guns will do next.

“Northlands Park is a lovely place, but so many horrible things have happened there lately.”

Three months ago Ms Clancy branded the park, off Felmores Road, Pitsea, unsafe for women after a rape, sexual assault and mugging.

A spokesman for Basildon Council confirmed the ducks appeared to have been shot. He said: “We received a call on Monday morning and again on Monday afternoon. The ducks were removed that afternoon.

“We take issues like this very seriously.”

Katy Mira, spokesman for the RSPCA, added: “This sounds like a very upsetting incident and horrible for passers-by to come across.

“We urge anyone with any information about any animal welfare offence to call us on 0300 1234 999.”