Damage to immature nectarines

[rocinante]

Can anyone suggest what might be causing this damage to my nectarines? I initially thought slugs but I’m not convinced. There’s no sign of them. The only insects I’ve seen on the tree are a few ants. Someone suggested earwigs?! Any help wouldn’t be much appreciated.

[nickdub]

Slugs or snails get my vote - try checking at night with a torch. Alternatively put some grease on the trunk like Vaseline - almost certainly climbing up whatever it is.

[devonuk]

I agree probably slugs. Do you not have quite bad scale insect, though (red blobs on the twig)? They could do with being sorted out, though they aren't responsible for the damage to the fruit.

[rocinante]

Thanks both. I don’t know why I was assuming something more exotic than slugs. It’s always flippin’ slugs.
Have to confess I’ve never heard of Scale Insect before. Any tips on getting rid of them?

[devonuk]

I wash them off with hot soapy water.