Birds killed by foxes at Wolverhampton farm after vandal break-in

Birds - including children's favourite, Noel the turkey - were killed after yobs tipped over and opened animal enclosures at the Underhill Lane site.

The vandalism allowed a fox to gain entry and kill Noel, along with a three-year-old cockerel and two hens.

The raid left farm staff heartbroken - and with a huge clean-up operation.

Staff at Northycote Farm have lead tributes to Noel the Northycote Farm turkey:

Farm and countryside ranger Mark Game said Noel - a Norfolk Black turkey that stood around three feet in height and weighed more than 20 lbs - was a particular favourite with many of the thousands of youngsters who visit the farm each year.

"Noel was a bad tempered beast but the kids absolutely loved him," Mr Game said. "He was a very large bird and was with us for a good four years. I think his big build made him a bit unusual. It's really sad to see him go.

"All of our pens are secure and checked throughout the night, so whoever did this must have deliberately wanted to release the animals."

The farm, which welcomes up to 2,000 visitors a week during busy periods, had previously lost almost all of its livestock during a similar raid in 2012.

Farm staff say they are now on the lookout for a new turkey, while they have already received an offer to replace the chickens from a generous member of the public.

Mr Game added: "A woman in Walsall has offered to give us six chicks she had been planning to sell. It is a very kind gesture and we will be getting in touch with her to see if we can take them off her hands.

"The response from the public has been really positive, with people calling us up and asking how things are."

The raid, which also saw the main gates vandalised, happened in the early hours of Saturday.