An elephant and her calf have been brutally attacked by a group of angry villagers in a remote Indian town this week.

The mother and infant were attempting to cross a road in a village in Bishnupur, when a group of men approached them with flaming torches and firebombs.

Heartbreaking photos, captured by Biplab Hazra, show the terrified pair run from the men as the firebombs were hurled at them.

It comes as confused animals, with no place to call home following deforestation, wander onto crops in search of food and shelter.

A report by Caters news claimed the angry mob turned on the family to stop them from “damaging their crops and property”.

But the vile attack, captured by photographer Biplab Hazra, has enraged people around the world, sparking calls for the abolishment of deforestation.

Mr Hazra told news outlet Caters that deforestation across India has caused many animals to encroach on human habitats in search of food and shelter.

These displaced animals often end up wandering through villages or across crop fields, trying to find a place to call home.

In response, villagers have begun using extreme tactics to drive them away from their homes and save their livelihoods.

“This happens because the villagers have to save their crops,” Mr Hazra told Caters.

“There are many elephant corridors in human habitations. I’m trying to show this and spread my photos to increase public awareness on the matter.”

Mr Hazra’s photographs then show the mother elephant and her calf escaping to a nearby railway line that had been built straight through their habitat.

The attack has enraged online communities, with many taking to social media to condemn the heartless attack.

https://t.co/FqX01YRQnL Those individuals of Bishnupur, India who participated in the harm of these gentle giants are DISGUSTING people. Your greed clouds your rationality and ethical behaviour. #thinkbeforeyouact — Taylor (@taytaymcgoo) January 15, 2019

Unbelievable. With humans taking over all of their land where are they supposed to go?! 💔 https://t.co/KAxQCvoij4 — World Animal Warrior (@WorldAnimalW) January 15, 2019

Others called on authorities to arrest and charge the men responsible for the attack.

If this is real, this pic contains the exact location and faces of the criminals. If somebody local wants to take action, we are here to support you. https://t.co/mG9fz1QF1Q — Asha Jadeja Motwani (@ashajadeja325) January 15, 2019

Some sympathised with the villagers for protecting their livelihoods, but could not condone violence against the innocent animals.

Villagers FIREBOMB elephants to stop them going onto crops in India - Daily Mail



HATE THIS! understand need to protect crops, but cannot support the ignorance & violence of these people! https://t.co/7BKWJdR9JX — MotherMere (@MereMother) January 15, 2019