Police release images after goose killed and swan injured
The incident took place on the 10 May
Police have released e-fit images after reports that a dead Canada goose and an injured swan were found at Fleet Pond.
At around 11.16am on 10 May a member of the public found the birds. It was reported that the swan had been struck with a ball bearing. The Swan Sanctuary were notified and collected the injured bird.
It was also reported that three white males, aged in their late teens to early 20s, were spotted near the pond at around 7.30pm on 9 May. One of the group reportedly used a sling shot to hit a pigeon, which injured the bird.
Police believe these images will help their investigation and would urge them, or anyone who knows their identity, to get in touch.
The first male (left) is described as being:
White, aged in his late teens to early 20s, 5ft 9ins tall and of large build. He was wearing a baggy t-shirt and had messy medium length hair.
The second male (centre) is described as being:
White, aged in his late teens to early 20s, 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a black tracksuit top and had a slick back hairstyle.
The third male (right) is described as being:
White, aged in his late teens to early 20s, 6ft 1ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a grey hoodie and had dark brown hair.
PC Neve Fitzgerald, from the Fleet Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We appreciate incidents of this nature have a huge impact on local communities as intentionally harming defenceless birds and wildlife is shocking and it simply won’t be tolerated.
“We want to reassure the community that we are taking these reports extremely seriously and have been carrying out a number of enquiries since it was first reported.
“Please take a look at the images we have released today – if you recognise the people in the e-fits, please get in touch with us.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to kill, harm, or take a wild bird. It is also an offence to take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird.
“We would also urge anyone with information about crimes against wildlife, including individuals acting suspiciously around wild birds or active nests, or anyone carrying or using catapults in their local area to please report this to police.”