A BABY rabbit has been stolen from a children's play area after thieves cut through two layers of fencing in a park.

Bosses at the Pets Corner in Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle, said that the three-week-old bunny was one of nine new borns that were set to be given away for free in the coming weeks.

It is the second time in three weeks that a rabbit has been taken from the site.

An adult was taken in similar circumstances.

Neil Mooney, chairman of the Friends of Rhyddings Park, said the animal may not be able to fend for itself without its mother.

He said: "We are all really upset that someone has come along and vandalised the site and stolen a baby rabbit.

"This is a community area that is supposed to be for the benefit of visitors to the park. It has been really shocking that someone would steal an animal."

Mr Mooney said that a barbed wire fence was damaged at the edge of the Pets Corner site when staff arrived as usual on Tuesday morning to check on the animals.

It was then discovered that another fence around the rabbit enclosure was damaged and the hutch had been opened.

Mr Mooney added: "Nine baby rabbits were born three weeks ago and they are only just eating solids.

"The annoying thing is that when they were a bit older we were going to advertise them as pets because there isn't enough room.

"We would have probably given them away, or maybe asked for a small donation."

The baby rabbit that has been taken was a male but had not been named. It was a dwarf-type and was light brown.

The Pets Corner was opened less than 12 months ago and is managed and maintained by volunteers from the Friends of Rhyddings Park.

There are three rabbits, in addition to the new baby rabbits, as well as two goats, ducks, peacocks, chickens, pheasants and budgies.The secretary of the Friends of Rhyddings Park, Gayle Knight, is pleading with anyone with information to come forward.

She said: "Obviously we're hoping that someone's taken it for a prank and that they intend to return it.

"We won't ask questions, just be grateful for the return of the rabbit."

Anyone with information is asked to call Gayle on 01254 387851.