The chicken's owner is devastated by the attacks

The incident is the latest in a spate of attacks at the Broadfield Lane site in Boston, Lincolnshire.

The attack on the hens has been described as "sick" by plot holders.

Boston Borough Council, which owns the land, says it is working with the police and doing everything it can to tackle the problem.

Allotment tenants say the attacks on their plots are causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Glass houses have also been smashed and sheds burned down.

I'm devastated, I feel like packing up Sherland Singleton

One man who has had a plot for six years and asked to remain anonymous said: "They [the vandals] have even stooped as low as to steal chickens and tie them to the railway lines where they have been run over by trains."

It is not the first time the council-owned land has been attacked by vandals.

Councillor Ernie Napier said: "We've always had problems down here with people stealing vegetables but it's really escalated over the past few months.

"One of the tenants has had his shed burnt down and his green house smashed with the heat.

"I don't know where it is going to stop."

Some gardeners have said they are considering giving up as a result.

Sherland Singleton another chicken-keeper said: "In the past I've had all my bantams stolen or killed.

"I'm devastated, I feel like packing up, I've been broken into so many times and it's upsetting."

Teenagers aged between 14 and 15 are thought to be responsible for the damage.

PC Trevor Cuppleditch from Boston Police has assured allotment holders that the force is carrying out extra patrols in the area to find those responsible.