The youths responsible for brutally attacking a pregnant hedgehog remain at large - but police have now issued fresh information.
The hedgehog died, along with her babies, after she was viciously attacked in Porters Park Drive in Shenley at around 7pm on Monday, June 20.
She suffered injuries to her spine, leg and mouth and was left partially blind.
Police say she only survived because two passers-by stepped in, but after being taken to a London Colney rescue centre she was later put down with a “heavy heart” as her condition had deteriorated so much.
Her three hoglets, which she gave birth too after the attack, all passed away as well.
Read more: Hedgehog that was cruelly attacked dies along with her three hoglets
Police launched an investigation to find the gang of teenagers who were witnessed kicking, beating, and throwing stones at the animal by the junction with Tagalie Place.
They still remain on the run but police now believe one of the boys was riding a red bike.
Having initially fled down an alleyway, the boys – thought to be aged 12 and 13 – are then believed to have gone in the direction of woodland towards the rear of North Avenue, off Porters Park Drive.
PC Dan Hill, who has previously sought to assure the community officers do take animal cruelty “seriously”, said: “We now believe that one of the boys was riding a red bike and that they all made off towards Cow Banks Wood. From here they could potentially come out on several streets that back onto the woods."
PC Hill added: “I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who lives in any of these roads. Did you see these boys in the area or capture them on CCTV?
“If you have any information please get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information that can help police with their investigation should visit https://www.herts.police.uk/ro/report/ or call 101 quoting reference 41/50042/22 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
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