POLICE have said investigations are ongoing into the death of a cockerel killed in a North Yorkshire village.

A police spokeswoman said Claude the cockerel was found in a shed at its home at Orchard House, Bishop Monkton, with its neck wrung.

The spokeswoman also said a padlock to the shed had been broken to gain entry, and villagers in the area with coops had increased security.

Three owners in the area had also had cockerels stolen, and police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information to phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.