ANIMAL owners are being warned to be extra vigilant after family pets were killed and stolen.

Matthew Rubery and Katy Hughes were shocked to find their four rabbits were missing and even more horrified to discover their two guinea pigs were dead after someone took a crowbar to the hutches.

Mr Rubery found the rescue animals had been taken and killed on Friday morning.

"I just want local people to be aware and be extra vigilant," he said.

Miss Hughes, of Sunnybrae Crescent, Gilstead, said she felt "absolutely sick to the stomach."

"We've had it confirmed by the vets that the guinea pigs were killed, rather than died of shock, as they had broken bones. I doubt we will get the rabbits back, as I imagine they have been killed by now anyway."

Miss Hughes said the couple's two children, Iris, one, and Theo, five, were both very upset by the incident.

Police and the RSPCA are investigating.