Heartfelt messages have been left by children for a village goose that was cruelly shot dead in Sandon.

The popular goose, which even features on the Sandon welcome sign, was allegedly shot by two men in a 4x4 car on Sunday afternoon.

The community is devastated at the loss of the treasured waterfowl, who was a ‘bit of a character’ and spent his life by the pond.

He took on a paternal role for the ducks in the village, and would be seen walking around with them in an orderly line.

One villager, who does not wish to be named, said: “My wife normally feeds the ducks in the morning, but the goose wasn’t there on Monday.

“I am worried that if another goose comes to the village, the same thing will happen again. A lot of people are disgusted. It’s really unfortunate, things are normally fairly quiet around here.”

Touching messages by children have been left at the goose’s favourite hangout – a telephone box.

One reads: “Dear angry goose, I love you to bits”, while another one says “don’t worry, me and my friends will look after (the ducks) now.”

The RSPCA are now investigating the incident.

Inspector Stephen Reeves said: “I am appalled at this alleged incident. It is a reckless and senseless act to shoot a goose in the head at point blank range.

“I would urge anyone in the local area who may have seen this upsetting incident to come forward and to call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018. I would also like to remind everyone that it is illegal under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to intentionally kill or injure any wild bird, and you can be prosecuted.”