Derbyshire County Council says it will support families as dozens gathered to protest against the plans.

Billy Cooper says his neighbour's cat has also been targeted and called for them to stop.

The council says construction work on the new facility should be complete by the end of 2025.

Police say the vehicle was "deliberately driven over a perimeter fence and at the animals".

Officers say paramedics and firefighters also attended due to "concerns around substances".

The bridge is set to open to the public over the coming weeks after being lowered into place.

The wider regeneration project is part of a £25m government scheme to improve town centres.

Funding for the bypass in Derbyshire is currently being considered by the Department for Transport.