Three boys arrested on suspicion of theft and animal cruelty after two chickens were killed in a Norwich park have been released after questioning.

The boys, one aged 12 and two 15, were arrested in Rugge Drive at around midday yesterday after two bantam chickens were found dead in Eaton Park at about 7am.

The trio were taken to Aylsham Police Investigation Centre but have now been released as investigations continue.

Enquiries are continuing and officers are trying to trace the owners of the chickens, which are believed to have been stolen in the area around Eaton Park.

Police are also keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who has information about it.

The arrest of the boys prompted a councillor to say anti-social behaviour in the area is the worst she has known in more than 20 years.

Judith Lubbock, Liberal Democrat city councillor for Eaton and a member of the Friends of Eaton Park group, said it was the latest example of increasing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the park and the surrounding area.

She said: 'In all the 23 years I have a been a councillor, we have never had so much anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in and around the South Park Avenue area. These are people who have no idea of the way to behave.'

Mrs Lubbock, a former Lord Mayor of Norwich, said: 'We are becoming increasingly worried about the levels of this sort of behaviour.'

Norfolk police inspector Mike Austin, local commander for Norwich South, said: 'There has been a rise in anti-social behaviour in and around the park recently, which is traditionally seen with the arrival of lighter evenings and better weather.

'We are working with partners to ensure Eaton Park is a safe place to visit and will be focusing patrols in this area to deter anti-social behaviour and will take immediate action against anyone found breaking the law, making arrests where necessary.'

Anyone with information should contact PC Lee French at Earlham Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.