A SCHOOL student found a row of decapitated animals on a public footpath.

RSPCA inspectors are now investigating after the horrific discovery was made in a narrow walkway between school playing fields last Thursday, July 7.

The animals - a bearded dragon, two white mice, a brown bird and a white rat - were discovered laid side by side on a flattened area of grass.

All had their heads cleanly removed. The heads have not been found.

The student was walking home from school when the discovery was made in a very narrow walkway with chain link fencing either side.

The wakway is only the width of one person and cuts through school playing fields, linking Hengistbury Road and Sunnylands Avenue.

Staff at the school alerted the RSPCA who have now launched an investigation into the sinister incident.

RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey said: "This is a shocking incident and seems likely to have been done deliberately.

“The student who found these animals was understandably upset by their gruesome discovery. They are all domesticated species and appear to have been decapitated and then intentionally laid out for someone to find.

"Obviously the public footpath is a popular route for many of the students on their way home from school and I would imagine this was why it was chosen.

“I found a black, zip up hoodie with a white zip in the undergrowth at the scene. It was size small and made by Cedar Wood State. Of course there is nothing to suggest that it is linked to the bodies at this stage, but this cannot be ruled out and we need to investigate every angle.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in that area, if they know of someone who, until recently, owned this combination of pets, or anyone with any information that could help explain what has actually happened here and why."

Anyone with any further information about this incident is being urged to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line in the strictest of confidence on 0300 123 8018.