Hedgehog dies with her three babies after being kicked and stoned by group of boys

A hedgehog has died along with her three babies after a group of youths attacked it.

Several boys, thought to be between 12 and 13, were seen kicking the pregnant animal and throwing stones at it in Shenley, Hertfordshire, on 20 June, police said.

The hedgehog was taken to London Colney Hedgehog Rescue where it gave birth to three hoglets, with one stillborn and the other two dying later.

The rescue centre has now confirmed the animal, named H4, was put to sleep on Monday after it deteriorated and was unable to eat.

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London Colney Hedgehog Rescue posted on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that I bring you this bad news.

“Unfortunately H4 was put to sleep today and we're devastated.

“She had deteriorated and unable to eat. The injury in the roof of her mouth was too severe to heal and impossible to stitch.

“The break had caused an open area to her nasal cavity resulting in her unable to eat.

“Even syringe feeding was not fair with the amount of discomfort it was causing her.

“We felt this injury was never going to heal together (through past experience), but we gave her a chance over the past week.

“Both the vets and I made the decision to let her go whilst she was under anaesthetic.”

Hertfordshire Police said at around 7pm on 20 June, several boys were seen attacking the animal in Porters Park Drive, close to the junction with Tagalie Place.

Officers added two passers-by intervened and the youths were abusive before making off down an alleyway.

An appeal to catch the schoolboys was then launched.

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Police said the hedgehog was microchipped and checks revealed it was born at a rescue centre last year after its mother was injured and had been released back into the wild in October.

PC Dan Hill previously said: “After being taken to the rescue centre it was discovered that the animal was pregnant and had suffered a number of serious injuries including the loss of sight in one of her eyes, spinal damage, a broken leg, fractured jaw and a laceration to her stomach.

“She is currently being cared for at the rescue centre and has since given birth to three hoglets, sadly one was stillborn.

He added: “If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened or have dash cam footage or CCTV or any other information that could help us to identify those involved please get in touch as soon as possible.”