VANDALS are thought to have ripped the heads off chickens when they went on the rampage through allotments.

Two hens were decapitated and eight others stolen on a night of thefts and vandalism at the Witts Hill plots in Midanbury, Southampton.

Strimmers and garden tools worth hundreds of pounds were also taken when 15 sheds and chicken coops had their gates torn off and locks forced open.

It is the second time the 112- plot facility has been targeted in just six months.

Plot holder Roy Saunders believes this time the chickens were killed by humans.

The 66-year-old said: “This is just blatant vandalism and theft.

“These people caused a lot of damage and we are very annoyed. It is just not on and they will not beat us. We won’t give in to them.”

Police were due to examine the scene over the weekend and officers have vowed to step up patrols in the area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, overnight on Friday, should contact PC Aaron Shale on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.