SALFORD rock star Mark E Smith is being investigated following his own claims that he killed squirrels.

The front man of cult band The Fall - which will soon release its 27th album - quipped to a music magazine that he had `killed a couple last weekend'.

But his comments failed to impress the RSCPA, which announced it would be carrying out a probe - particularly to discover whether he meant endangered red squirrels.

Rare red squirrels are protected by the law and the veteran singer could face prosecution if evidence is uncovered.

In the interview with Uncut, Smith, 51, was asked how much it would take for him to set about an endangered red squirrel with a set of professional hedge-clippers.

He said: "Nothing, I'd do it for free.

"Squirrels mean nothing to me. I killed a couple last weekend actually. They were eating my garden fence.

"My sisters are animal lovers and they had been leaving food out for these squirrels. They've got rats in the bloody house now. Serves 'em right."

Plummeted

Britain's native red squirrel population has plummeted in the face of competition from North American grey squirrels and deforestation.

RSPCA spokesman Klare Kennett slammed Smith's comments as `irresponsible' and warned that killing red squirrels was an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

"These animals are highly protected and anyone killing, harming or taking red squirrels from the wild is liable to prosecution and can face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

"We will certainly be investigating this alleged offence now it has been brought to our attention," she said.

"If he is getting confused and talking about grey squirrels, then killing them without a good reason - eating food put out for them is not a good reason - could also be an offence under certain circumstances."

In the interview, Broughton-born Smith also said he would have no problem with running over seagulls for fun.

Miss Kennett said: "Running over gulls is also an offence and the RSPCA has prosecuted people for illegal killing of both squirrels and gulls - and would not hesitate to do so again.

"To suggest in a magazine read by youngsters that it is a good idea to harm wildlife is both extremely stupid and highly irresponsible."

The RSPCA say that once they have found out where the star lives, one of their inspectors will call round to the property to inspect it.

What do you think? Have your say.