Do you have any information about the dead pigeons? (Picture: North News)

An enormous chest freezer crammed full of dead pigeons has been found dumped in a back alley.

Council workers made the grim discovery in an area of Darlington, County Durham, that has been blighted by fly-tipping.

It is thought at least 100 wood pigeons were inside the freezer, and may have been destined for the food industry.

The council promised to find and prosecute whoever dumped the ‘decomposing’ animals.

Environmental crime coordinator Paul McQuillan said: ‘It’s very gruesome, an unlocked freezer full of wood pigeons, decomposing in a back lane, which could’ve been found by a child.

‘It’s just so unpleasant.

The Darlington back street is a well known destination for flytippers (Picture: North News)

At least 100 pigeons were decomposing in the chest (Picture: North News)

‘I think it’s been dumped by someone who goes shooting and when they have enough birds, they sell them on to a game dealer.

‘But on this occasion there’s been an issue with the freezer, perhaps it’s broken down and they’ve just dumped it.’

The freezer was likely left late on Tuesday before it was found yesterday.

Anyone living nearby who has information is urged to contact the council.

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WARNING: Contains images you may find upsetting.