Ian Murphy, head gardener at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington, and his assistant, Paul Moverley, make repairs to the vandalised aviary.

Vandals smashed their way into an aviary at an historic East Yorkshire tourist attraction, killing one bird and scattering others across the area.

Staff at Burnby Hall Gardens, in Pocklington, have been left sickened by the senseless attack which is the latest in a run of vandalism at the beauty spot.

Head gardener Ian Murphy's heart sank when he discovered the wrecked aviary on Monday morning.

Vandals, who cut a hole in the fence surrounding the gardens, had climbed onto its wire-mesh roof and crashed through, killing a cockatiel and leaving the other birds to escape.

About 20 have been recovered by staff but around 15 others, including cockatiels, budgies, zebra finches and a pair of diamond doves are still missing.

Mr Murphy said: "It's just completely senseless and I'm totally disgusted.

"It is not just a case of vandalism because this time they have killed a bird and the ones that have flown off won't survive the winter.

Sgt Peter Rogers, of Pocklington police, said: "We have had a number of damage incidents at the gardens but this goes beyond that.

"It's a completely mindless act and we are determined to find out who was responsible."

Security is now being stepped up at the gardens, in a bid to stamp out the vandalism.

Anyone with information should contact PC Phil Kirby at Pocklington on 01759 302174.

And anyone who finds any of the escaped birds should contact Mr Murphy on 01759 304129.

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