A PET rabbit died after callous intruders kicked its hutch during a raid in which they stole a mountain bike.

The rabbit was thought to have died from shock after the break-in to the rear garden of a house in Kidderminster's Foley Park area, between 8am and 3.45pm on Monday.

Sam Lewis, its 14-year-old owner, found the animal, Sooty, in distress. Sam's mother, Michelle, said: "My son had gone to feed the rabbits and came back in, cradling Sooty.

"I could see the rabbit was dying in his arms and phoned the vet, who said there was nothing he could do and just to keep him warm. He died by the fire an hour and a half later."

She added that the hutch was damaged beyond repair but that another rabbit sharing it with Sooty was unhurt.

She said Sam had been ill all night with an asthma attack brought on by the trauma caused by the incident. He had only had the Reebok mountain bike, worth £500, for two months, having saved up money from his Saturday job to pay for it.

The bike had a grey and white frame and black wheels and had stickers on it.

PC Dan Wood, beat manager for Wyre Forest West, said: "To deliberately attack a defenceless animal can only be described as despicable and we would appeal to anyone who knows who these people are to contact us on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."