Police have released e-fit images of three suspects after a dead Canada goose and injured swan were discovered at Fleet Pond, Hampshire. The swan was reportedly struck with a ball bearing by youths using slingshots.
Hampshire Police issued the composite images following reports of the incident on 10th May, when a member of the public discovered the birds at 11:16am. The injured swan was collected by The Swan Sanctuary after it was found to have been hit with a ball bearing.
Witnesses reported seeing three white males, believed to be in their late teens to early twenties, near the pond around 7:30pm on 9th May. One individual allegedly used a slingshot to strike a pigeon, causing injury to the bird.
Following extensive enquiries, officers have now released e-fit images of three males they wish to speak with in connection to the incidents.
The first suspect is described as white, aged late teens to early twenties, approximately 5ft 9ins tall with a large build. He was wearing a loose-fitting t-shirt and had untidy medium-length hair.
The second individual is described as white, aged late teens to early twenties, around 5ft 9ins tall with a medium build. He was seen wearing a black tracksuit top and had slicked-back hair.
The third suspect is described as white, aged late teens to early twenties, approximately 6ft 1ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing a grey hooded top and had dark brown hair.
Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the individuals in the e-fit images or witnessed the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference 44250203291. Information can also be submitted online via Hampshire Police’s website at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
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PC Neve Fitzgerald from Fleet Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “Incidents like this have a significant impact on local communities, as deliberately harming defenceless wildlife is appalling and will not be tolerated.
“We want to reassure residents that we are treating these reports with the utmost seriousness and have conducted numerous enquiries since the initial report.
“Please examine the images we’ve released today – if you recognise anyone in the e-fits, please contact us immediately.
“We’d like to remind the public that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to kill, harm or capture wild birds. Damaging or destroying wild bird nests is also prohibited.
“We encourage anyone with information regarding wildlife crimes, including suspicious behaviour around wild birds or active nests, or individuals carrying or using catapults in their area, to report this to police.”
