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The RSPCA in Norfolk has condemned deliberate attacks on ducks including ducklings being stamped on and mother ducks being run over and killed.

The East Winch Wildlife Centre near King's Lynn has had 235 duckling admissions this spring, almost half the nationwide figure of 550.

Forty-five were brought in in one day. One incident was of a child stamping on a duckling in Hunstanton.

Other incidents include children throwing toys at ducks in Swaffham.

Several ducklings were orphaned after a car was seen deliberately aiming for, and killing, their mother.

Centre manager Alison Charles said: "We're so fortunate in Norfolk to have so much wildlife, why not appreciate it rather than try to kill it."

Injured and orphaned ducklings are regularly one of the largest admissions to wildlife centres, the RSPCA added.

'Pretty brutal'

Last year, 1,753 mallard ducks were brought into RSPCA centres across the country - more than any other species.

Ms Charles added: "We would urge people to take extra care on the roads at this time of year and keep your eyes open for any young wildlife which may be crossing them - especially ducks which seem to get a particularly rough deal.

"We have more ducklings than I can count at the moment - it is a real problem and sadly one which we tend to see every year.

"Some are here because of genuine accidents but many are the result of deliberate acts which can be pretty brutal.

"I have known of far too many cases where people have aimed for duck families in the road, or pelted them with sticks and stones.

"It never fails to shock me how people can be so intentionally cruel."