POLICE are hunting for a gang of arsonists after they doused a chicken in petrol and burned it alive.

The animal belonging to John Leppington was found traumatised at an allotment in Whitby, North Yorkshire, with the skin and feathers missing from its head following the attack.

The bird had to be put down because of its injuries.

The attack is one of a number that have been carried out on an allotment owned by William Elwick, who allows Mr Leppington to keep a brood of chickens on the land.

Petrol bombs have been used in attacks on the allotment in the past, but so far police have been unable to catch the culprits.

Mr Leppington said: "I can’t explain how I feel, why would anyone want to do things like that?

"If they carry on like this someone is going to get injured or killed.

"They are my hens and they just keep coming in, torturing them and trying to burn the huts down."

Following a previous attack on the allotment, police found petrol bombs made using milk cartons, but were unable to find fingerprints as the arsonists had worn gloves.

They also used bolt cutters to break through the locks, leading the victims to believe it is not just the work of youths.

Police are conducting an investigation into the attacks.