Police Appeal After Shocking Catapult Attacks
Date of alert:
Friday, 19 May 2023
Crime Ref:
Force:
44230188337
Hampshire Constabulary
Police have put out an appeal for witnesses after a number of violent attacks on wild birds in the Hart and Rushmoor area.
The shocking attacks were carried out by a number of young teenagers who were seen firing catapults at ducklings, geese, swans and other wild birds as well as damaging nests, in what appears to have been a deliberate attempt to cause death or injury. A local resident has stated that the youngsters “threw bricks, destroyed eggs and even decapitated a duck”, leaving it on public display in the sickening acts of violence.
Some photos of the attacks have been shared in the public domain and are shown partially obscured further down the page, although please be aware they are quite upsetting to view.
Police have listed the following reports of the attacks and ask that anyone with information come forward:
We‘re appealing for witnesses following a number of incidents involving wild birds in Hart and Rushmoor in recent weeks.
Between Wednesday, 12 April and Saturday, 13 May, we have received four reports of groups of young people intentionally harming wild birds.
– Hampshire Police
