Villagers have been left heartbroken after a brood of ducklings was run over just feet away from their mother.

The incident in Salhouse happened on Tuesday (June 20) despite signs warning drivers to take care near the duck pond which sits adjacent to The Loke -  a quiet road used as a cut-through between Lower Street and Vicarage Road.

It has prompted calls for drivers to slow down as they pass through the village which lies northeast of Norwich at the edge of the Broads.

Norwich Evening News: Olivia Hovey was heartbroken after finding the ducks run over in SalhouseOlivia Hovey was heartbroken after finding the ducks run over in Salhouse (Image: Olivia Hovey)

Olivia Hovey, who has lived in the village for six years, said: "The ducklings often sit in the road and everyone locally knows they are there - sometimes you have to shoo them back to the pond.

"But you can't miss them unless you are travelling too fast or not paying attention.

"It's heartbreaking."

READ MORE: Norfolk fire crew rescues ducklings from drain in Heacham

Norwich Evening News: Signs warn drivers of the ducks as they approach the junctionSigns warn drivers of the ducks as they approach the junction (Image: Google)

Six ducklings were killed, leaving the mother with just two of her offspring.

The pond sits at the junction with Upper Street where drivers would be expected to slow down before turning into the single-track road.

Since posting about the incident on a community Facebook page, several people living locally have shared their heartbreak having enjoyed watching the ducklings being raised by their mother.

READ MORE: 24 ducklings spotted waddling through Norfolk village

Others also voiced concerns about the speed at which drivers travel on roads surrounding the village. 

All Saints Church warden James Watts said: "We need more awareness on the issue, particularly on the busy Wroxham Road." 

Norwich Evening News: Taken the day before they were run over, the ducklings were spotted nestling up to their mother at the duck pondTaken the day before they were run over, the ducklings were spotted nestling up to their mother at the duck pond (Image: Olivia Hovey)

Ms Hovey, 29, added: "They must have been going round the corner too quickly not to see them.

"Perhaps we need more signs but the ones we have currently are clearly visible and there are big posts next to the pond.

"I sent a picture of the ducklings to my family only the day before, who were excited to see all the babies. 

"I must be honest, it made me cry."