Eye witnesses saw Mr Pheasant, who walked with an unusual gait, struck up the rear by a speeding vehicle that then drove off without stopping.

Standing near a pool of blood, local resident Arthur Sailor said: "Thank goodness it wasn't a child, some people drive far too fast along here."

Mr Pheasant, of no fixed abode, had survived the winter on handouts in the Sandy Point area, and was a cherished member of the local community to all but a few who disapproved of his very early morning calls.

He leaves behind three frustrated hens and unknown fatherless eggs.

Funeral arrangements are unknown but he is expected to be cremated at 180 degrees Centigrade for 90 minutes - preceded by a period hanging around in a local garage.

A white VW Touareg seen speeding away from the scene is being sought by local authorities and angry housewives.
Plucky, also known locally as Freddie and Hubert will be sadly missed.

A bird lover
South Hayling