A LAYING hen was killed by "youths with catapults" in an attack during open hours at River Bourne Community Farm.

Youths allegedly fired catapults at the chickens and ran off when approached by staff.

The incident took place at around 12.30pm on Tuesday, November 1.

Wiltshire Police has launched an investigation into the attack.

The farm has seen attacks in the past but never during open hours while staff and visitors are on site.

Read more: Four chickens killed at River Bourne Community Farm

Manager Sara-Jane Hancock said staff and students are "deeply upset" and that the brazen incident is "very worrying". 

She added: "This is unusual, we’ve never had anything like this happen during our opening hours when visitors, staff, and students are still on site.

"We’ve had various bits of minor crime and chickens killed before but not while we're open."

The farm is urging visitors and passers-by to keep an eye out and report any suspicious behaviour to staff.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We are aware of reports of chickens being targeted by youths with catapults in Salisbury.

“We have started an investigation, which is in its early stages.”

River Bourne Community Farm is open from 10am-1pm every day and entry is free.