SICK attackers had maimed two rabbits found in a Derby street in what has been described as a "cruel" and "bizarre" incident.

The 10-month-old animals had each had an ear and a foot cut off.

Vets have confirmed the injuries had been caused intentionally several months before the male rabbits were found in a lane in Shelton Lock.

The animals, which have been called Benjamin and Peter, have been found new homes.

They are among 260 animals which have been rehomed in Derby this year.

Karen Carter, community manager at the RSPCA Derby and District Branch, said: "We may never know why these rabbits were injured. It's difficult to understand why someone would do this.

"What is more bizarre is that these rabbits must have been with someone following the incident.

"The injuries have completely healed over, so why would they then dump them now?"

RSPCA officials said a member of the public found the animals near Sinfin Avenue, on Saturday, August 21.

They cared for the rabbits over the weekend, before taking them to the city branch of the national charity, in Abbey Street, on the following Monday.

It is not known whether the animals were abandoned or had escaped and nothing is known about their previous owners.

Both were taken to Blagreaves Veterinary Centre, in Blagreaves Lane, Littleover and were examined by Dr Abdul Rehman.

He gave both animals a clean bill of health but said the injuries had been caused deliberately with some sort of sharp object.

He also confirmed they had been inflicted about four to five months ago and had since healed over.

Dr Rehman said: "Because the rabbits were very young when it happened, they have learned to adapt to their disabilities and are coping very well."

Anyone interested in re-homing an animal should contact the branch on Derby 344620.