Police are investigating a report that a man drove over three ducklings as they crossed a road in Stoke-on-Trent. It comes after thousands of people shared a social media post from a man who said he witnessed the "despicable act".
Steven Walley shared pictures online from the incident which allegedly took place on Friday in Trentham. He wrote on Facebook: "Absolutely livid. I've just been driving on the A34 at Trentham Gardens roundabout when a family of seven ducklings were crossing the road. All the traffic stopped to let them cross but disgustingly this van driver, after initially stopping, could not then wait for the five seconds it would have taken to let them cross and drove straight over them, crushing three of them.
"I followed the van up the A34 to the layby before Strongford garage where we had a very heated conversation. His comment: 'I don't f*****g care.'"
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A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "We have made contact with the author of the post and are establishing potential offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. We understand this is an emotive issue for many people and we ask please that you do not take matters into your own hands."
Responding to calls on Twitter for action to be taken, an RSPCA spokesperson said: "We understand police are looking into this shocking incident. We'd urge anyone who has first-hand information about this to contact local police on 101 or our cruelty line on 03001234999. Our phone lines are currently very busy so apologies if there's a delay getting through."
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