Glue trap killers are being hunted after six wild birds were caught in the sticky substance that had been smeared on feeders at a nature reserve in West Sussex.

Five blue tits and one great tit were found dead by rangers at Warnham Local Nature Reserve on Thursday. Employees took other birds away to be cleaned and alerted the RSPCA of their findings.

The animal welfare charity said that three men were seen acting suspiciously in the area.

Two were described as around 30-years-old, six feet tall, with hair that was long on top and shaved at the sides. A third man was described as older, but not as tall and was wearing a cap.

If found guilty, those responsible could be sentenced to up to six months in prison and given an unlimited fine.