Appeal after reports of catapults being used in park

Police are appealing for information after concerns were raised that animals had been injured by young people using catapults in a park in East Sussex.

Sussex Police said incidents of catapult use in Egerton Park, Bexhill-on-Sea, had been reported by staff at Rother District Council and that "there are concerns that wildlife may have been targeted".

A statement posted online said: "If you witness anyone using a catapult to target wildlife, or have information about incidents in the park, please report it to us at the time so that officers can attend and take appropriate action."

Neighbourhood officers have increased daytime and evening patrols in and around the park, the force added.

In the UK catapults are not illegal to own or carry in public, but if they are being used to harm people, animals, property, or for anti-social behaviour, their use could be criminal.

These reports are not isolated.

Last month, 25 birds were found dead at Chichester railway station following a suspected catapult attack, while earlier this year there were concerns over similar incidents in Hailsham.

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