A RABBIT was left with severe burns and in excruciating pain when yobs cruelly set fire to its hutch.

The black and white Rex breed rabbit, which are known for their velvety fur, was found by police after its hutch had been torched on Monday. The terrified animal escaped but suffered burns to its feet and eyes. It was rushed to Zasman Vets surgery in Priory Road, Hornsey, and treated by shocked staff.

Rachael Spink, 26, a veterinary nurse at the practice, said: "It looked terrible. It's a black and white rabbit and its coat was singed brown. It's got about six or seven bad burns on its feet and round its eyes. We gave it pain relief straight away and antibiotics. The police said apparently some kids had set its hutch on fire."

Police were called at 5pm to Creighton Road, near Queen Street, Tottenham, by a member of the public concerned for the rabbit's welfare.

The blazing hutch had been spotted and police found the rabbit after its escape. Vets believe it will survive, although it is receiving round the clock pain relief and burns treatment.

"She has really extensive burns to her feet now - they're really swollen and her skin's going to come off, so she's going to need a lot of care down the track," said Ms Spink. "She smells like burned popcorn, so we've called her Popcorn.

"The thing about rabbits is they're an animal that's preyed on, so they're don't necessarily show they're in pain. Being experienced as we are we know how much pain she must be in, but they really don't show it."

It is not known whether the rabbit had any owners and the RSPCA has been called in.

"She can walk, she's actually a really lucky bunny, she's probably going to be OK, but she'll need a lot of care on the burns for several weeks," said Ms Spink.

Free health checks for bunnies will be available during Rabbit Awareness Week, from Monday, April 26 to Sunday, May 2.