A GRAPHIC photograph of a hedgehog which was allegedly beaten to death with a wooden plank has been circulated on social media in a bid to shock people into action.

The shocking discovery was made on Thursday night in Burtonwood when one resident headed out for a walk.

The Facebook user wrote: "Apologies for the graphic pictures but there's some sick 'people' – if you can call them that – about.

"I just left the house to walk the dog and found this on the road outside.

"Those involved have even spat at the side of the poor creature. Just no need at all for this."

The photographs have been shared in the hope of catching those involved.

To report information to the RSPCA call 0300 1234 999 or visit rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty.