A fox has been destroyed following a series of airgun attacks on animals.

The fox was found by the RSPCA staggering and distressed in a back yard in Mount Pleasant Road, Chigwell, and eventually collapsed.

It was found with a metal air gun pellet stuck to its mouth and a small wound to its head.

An x-ray later revealed another bullet near its left ear, another two near its eyes and yet another one in its right shoulder.

The incident, which took place on June 23, has come to light after RSPCA revealed a number of similar attacks have taken place recently.

Anyone with any information can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.

For the full story see next week's Epping Forest Guardian - out next Thursday.