CHILDREN and passers-by were horrified on Monday evening to see the driver of a white van plough through a flock of mallard ducks in Andover.

Children were playing nearby in South Street when the motorist drove at speed through the ducks, killing at least one and leaving a trail of blood and feathers in his wake.

A resident, who does not wish to be named, said: "He may wish to note that South Street is a 30mph limit and the children playing nearby who witnessed the entire event would alone be sufficient reason to slow down.

"The ducks were clearly visible to the driver and he had ample opportunity to slow down or stop. The driver left in his wake several upset children and a fatally injured duck flapping around, spraying blood in the street. It was left to a passer-by to put the bird out of its misery."

Pc Ted Reynolds said this was a perennial problem in the Andover area which has a number of 'wet areas' that were natural habitats for ducks.

"It's sad to think that someone could not spare a bit of time to allow these ducks to cross the road. Motorists should always drive according to the road conditions."