A GROTESQUE killing of family pets has left two young sisters devastated.

Margaret Olukoju, of Totteridge Road, High Wycombe, was woken on Monday at around 7.30am by a piercing scream from outside.

Mrs Olukoju thought it could have been the family guinea pig and rabbit fighting but when she went outside, she found the pets had been strangled.

Daughters Rachel, 12, and Melissa, eight, who looked after Smudge the rabbit and Snuggles the guinea pig, were distraught by their pets' deaths.

Mrs Olukoju said: "They were very upset. They asked me why could it happen and I don't have any answers."

She added: "The rabbit was really friendly. One of its claws was gone and its back leg was ripped off as well. They must have got him first."

Mrs Olukoju added: "She used to run around the place. I just can't believe it. Who could come into the garden and do something like that?"

Year-old Smudge and Snuggles, four, lived in a run in the back garden. But work was being carried out at the back so the run was transferred to the front garden where Mrs Olukoju thought they would be safe.

Mother-of-eight Mrs Olukoju said the attack could not have been carried out by animals because of the damage to the run and the force needed to lift the roof. She said: "It looks like a deliberate attack."

Anyone with information about the attack can contact PC Chris Young on 01494 465888.