Offaly Gardaí investigate duck 'murder scene'

Gardaí are investigating the slaughter of 22 ducks in County Offaly.

The birds are usually seen in the harbour in Edenderry, but have disappeared with only their heads found on a canal bank.

The flock of 40 had been donated by a farm to a community project, and a local councillor, Noel Cribbin, said nature lovers in the area are devasted.

Mr Cribbin believes the ducks are being butchered for food since the ducks' heads are the only thing left behind at the scene.

He called the family-friendly duck-feeding shelter, that was dubbed 'Duckingham Palace', "a murder scene".