A GOOSE has been beaten to death near a park by three youths armed with sticks.

The group, aged 16 to 18, ran off when they were challenged by man who saw the bird being attacked on Valley Road, Scarborough, at about 6am last Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police said the youths, who headed towards the nearby Tesco store, were wearing jeans and T-shirts.

PC Holly Hornsby said: "This was a pointless, barbaric act against a defenceless animal.

"It is important that we find out who is responsible and I am urging anyone who can help to identify the youths involved to come forward as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should phone police on 101.