TWO yobs who beat a pair of deer to death have been branded 'sick' by residents who found the dead animals.

The youths were seen punching, kicking and stamping on the Muntjac deer in Clively Avenue, Clifton.

RSPCA officials are investigating the 'horrific' attack and say the animals may have been hunted with dogs before their death.

It is not yet known where the deer came from, but Muntjac deer populations are known to be rising, and the animals can survive in small areas of woodland on the edges of cities.

The spot where the deer were found is on the edge of Lower Irwell Valley Improvement Area, an area of green wasteland between Salford and Bury populated by foxes, rabbits and squirrels.

A worried passer-by called the RSPCA, who sent officers to the scene.

Duncan Lyons, 36, who lives on the street, said: "It's absolutely disgusting - whoever's done it wants locking up. You'd have to be very sick to treat an animal like this."

Mr Lyons said his son, William, 10, found the bodies in black bin bags in the communal gardens of the flats where they live.

A 50-year-old local man, who asked not to be named, told the MEN: "It's getting very rough round here and it doesn't surprise me that this is happened."

"A dead deer was found here a couple of years ago and the people who did it are still walking around. It could well be them who have done it again.

"They beat the animals to death for no reason whatsoever. People know who they are but it's safer to keep your mouth shut."

Inspectors at the animal charity have described the attack as 'horrific' - and confirmed they believe the culprits are local teenagers. They are appealing for information in the hope of prosecuting the thugs, who were wearing tracksuits and trainers.

Insp Natalie Avery said: "This was a very distressing sight. Both deer must have suffered unimaginably in the last few moments before their death.

"This is a horrific example of wildlife crime. Attacks like this are becoming more and more common, and we're keen to put a stop to it in any way we can."

When inspectors hurried to the scene, they discovered the dead bodies of the deer - an adult male and a young male.

The pair had injuries that suggested they had been hunted with dogs before their deaths. Muntjac are the oldest known deer, first appearing between 15m and 35m years ago. Hunting deer with dogs is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

Insp Avery added: "If anyone knows anything relating to this, or is aware of similar incidents of cruelty, I would urge them to contact the RSPCA immediately. The sooner we find who were responsible for this sickening attack the better."

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line in confidence on 0300 1234 999.