Singer in squirrel death investigation

Lead singer of The Fall Mark E Smith will be investigated over comments he made in an interview about killing squirrels.

The RSPCA is angry with the 51-year-old after he told Uncut magazine that he killed two squirrels.

When questioned about how much money it would take for him to take them on with hedge-trimmers, Smith responded: "Nothing, I'd do it for free.

"Squirrels mean nothing to me. I killed a couple last weekend actually. They were eating my garden fence."

RSPCA spokeswoman Klare Kennett said: "The comments are irresponsible, it is something we would investigate. We don't know where he lives, but we are looking into it.

"To suggest in a magazine read by youngsters that it is a good idea to harm wildlife is both extremely stupid and highly irresponsible."

Kennett added that endangered red squirrels are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

"These animals are highly protected and anyone killing, harming or taking red squirrels from the wild is liable to prosecution and can face up to six months in prison and a £20,000 fine," she said.