POLICE are hunting yobs suspected of setting up a cock fight in which a pet bird was killed.

The Pekin cockerel called Elvis "because of his side burns and quiff" was found by his owner, Andrew Hinkinson, lying pecked to death at Middletown allotments in Skipton.

Mr Hinkinson said he was distraught when he found the two-year-old bird on visiting his plot on Tuesday.

At the time he was still distressed because his flock of poultry had been targeted a few days before, when a number of cockerels suffered injuries.

When the intruders struck Elvis was in a special "hospital" pen to help him recover from a minor injury and keep him away from some of the bigger cockerels.

Mr Hinkinson believes the birds were deliberately released on both occasions by people who broke into his allotment with the intention of seeing the birds fight.

"This was not just mischief making - they did it to see them fight - it was a cock fight and I can't see any other reason for letting them out.

"I was very upset to see Elvis in the state he was left. His wounds were horrible," said Mr Hinkinson.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Police are investigating after incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were reported at Middletown allotments, on Greatwood Avenue, in Skipton."

Officers were appealing for help to trace whoever was responsible and are urging people to get in touch if they have information.

“If anyone sees groups of people hanging around the allotments or people on the land that shouldn’t be there please call Skipton police on 101."

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”