FOUR birds were discovered floating in Arrow Valley Lake after being shot dead with a pellet gun on Monday evening.

Three mallard ducks and a goose were callously killed in the incident which is not the first of its kind at the Redditch beauty spot.

Bosses at the lake's Countryside Centre have expressed grave concern and fear children and visitors could also be shot.

Centre manager Steve Sullivan has been left disgusted and believes youths are responsible for the shootings.

He said: "There were some youths some weeks ago who were pointing pellet guns at birds on the water. It was in the area where people go to feed the birds.

"The birds see someone standing there and go up expecting to be fed - not get lead pellets shot at them."

Mr Sullivan has appealed for visitors to the lake to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.

He said: "This happened early on Monday evening and if we don't nip this problem in the bud it could escalate."

A police spokesman said: "The police are very disappointed people should be targeting these poor defenceless creatures. And we would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information to contact us immediately.

Anyone with information can contact Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.