THERE'S been an "unbelievable" response with more than £10,000 raised since a peacock was killed on Monday night.

A fundraising page was set up in the wake of the horrific attack on the aviary in Pittencrieff Park which left one bird dead and another badly hurt.

One of the peacocks, named Malcolm, was "horribly tortured and killed" while Louis is recovering from his injuries.

This morning (Thursday) the total passed £10,500 with more than 750 donations.

Melanie Sorbie, who set up the gofundme page to help cover the repair costs for the aviary, said: "The response has been unbelievable. Thank you to each and everyone of you who has donated so far.

"I know I speak for Suzi (Ross) and all the volunteers when I say that the words thank you will never be enough."

On the Peacocks in Pittencrieff Facebook page, Suzi and the team posted: "Hi all. We are absolutely overwhelmed at the support and love we have received since our boy was tragically killed. "Louis' wounds are being treated with antibiotics and painkillers and he is very subdued.

"He is being extremely well cared for and being showered with love and chocolate cake.

"Thank you very much."

In the wake of the attack, Melanie set up the page and said: "After hearing the sickening and tragic news of the murder of Malcolm and the injuries to Louis, I’ve put this fundraiser together to help pay for the damage and the vet fees.

"Let’s help protect our precious Dunfermline peacocks and show our love!"

And since she set it up on Tuesday night there's been an incredible response.

One of the donors, Eric Vincent, posted: "My children (aged eight and six) are really shocked by this news and struggle to process it.

"They asked us to help the peacocks get better and feel safe."

Irene Hunter contributed to the fund and posted: "The peacocks in the Glen are a part of Dunfermline's history.

"I just don't understand how anyone can harm defenceless living creatures of any kind.

"My thoughts are with the people who love and care for the birds – a devastating blow for all of them."

Karen Wells donated and said: "RIP Malcolm and get well soon Louis. A truly sickening act."

And an anonymous donor said: "Totally heartbroken!

"Was shocked and sickened listening to this news on my way to work this morning.

"Kept thinking about what these poor peacocks must have gone through at the hands of the cowards who did this.

"Sick, vicious, evil attack!"

Suzi had posted the heartbreaking news on Tuesday.

She wrote: "It is with a broken heart that I have to send you all extremely bad news.

"At 11pm last night I received a phone call telling me one of the birds was hurt.

"I chased up to the aviary to find it had been broken into.

"We found Louis in the outside roost. He had been badly hurt. The next few hours will be a testing time to get him through it. But we are hopeful.

"Malcolm was horribly tortured and killed."

The post continued: "This was all witnessed by a young lad who volunteers at night to go and check on the birds.

"All I can say at the moment is there were two young thugs aged 13 and 14 years old.

"They have left lovely pictures of themselves on CCTV.

"The police have reported to us that they know them and we now await what comes next for them.

"The aviary can be replaced and fixed up.

"But Malcolm could never be replaced, he was a one off, a beautiful natured boy, never ever known to harm anyone or anything.

"We will all miss him dreadfully, my heart is broken.

"All because two boys out on a school night at 11pm, killing and brutally hurting defenceless birds.

"Did the parents not wonder where their boys were?

"I will not rest until these thugs are in court and get what should be coming to them, and that is not a little slap on the wrist from the children's panel.

"They knew what they were doing."

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville called it a "deplorable act" and said: "This was a senseless act of cruelty on defenceless birds, who are treasured by people across our local community.

"My thoughts go out to all the volunteers who work so hard every day to look after the peacocks; I know this will have hurt them deeply.

"The 'Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park' charity now face vet bills and repair costs as a result of this horrible incident.

"I know that times are tough for a lot of people but, if you can, please consider donating to their fundraising efforts."

Police Scotland confirmed to the Press they were following "a positive line of enquiry".

A beloved symbol of Dunfermline, the peacocks have the freedom of the city.

They have a long association with the Glen, stretching back to 1905 when philanthropist Henry Beveridge returned to Dunfermline from India and gifted the park its first birds.

Their numbers had dwindled but a safe haven was established in the park with dedicated volunteers helping to look after them, and help rear new chicks.

To donate to the fundraising appeal, visit https://gofund.me/a658e575