A POLICE investigation has been launched after a video emerged showing children allegedly beating birds to death.

Footage being shared on social media from a security camera on a property in Ulverston shows three kids entering a private area.

Two girls and a boy, believed to be around 12 or 13 years old, caused damage to a hen house and enclosure, then chased, caught and beat a number of birds to death, the post said.

Cumbria Police confirmed it received a report on Tuesday July 23 and that it was aware of ‘criminal damage’ to animals at a property on Kennedy Street in Ulverston.

A police spokesman said: “During the incident, hen runs were damaged, and three birds were also found dead and one is missing.

“Officers are conducting inquiries, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The land is owned by Danielle Robison’s parents and her neighbour.

She shared the news on social media to make people aware.

She said there were six birds dead - five hens and a quail – and that their bodies were thrown into the hedge.

The incident occurred at 4.45pm on Monday July 22 in the North Lonsdale Road area.

The post on Facebook said: “They have trespassed onto private land and slaughtered chickens and quails. Digging into hen houses and beating them before throwing their bodies into the hedge.

The chicken and quail belong to Danielle’s 73-year-old neighbour, who has raised birds on the land for the past 30 years.

She said: “I'm absolutely gutted for the gentleman whose hens and quails they are. There are no words unfortunately that are age-appropriate and fitting enough.”

Danielle said one of the kids returned to the property on Tuesday night and was ‘caught red-handed’.

When he was confronted, they were able to record his name and address which allowed all three to be identified, she said.