Wildlife charity appeals for information on crossbow criminal

Canada goose and chicks. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Mystery crossbow attacks on waterfowl are “very concerning,” says the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Recent incidents involving the medieval weapon include the killing of a mallard duck last month in Springfield Park, a non-fatal attack on a Canada goose in Victoria Park last week and also possibly the mysterious death of a swan on Clapton Common just days later.

Tim Webb, communications manager for RSPB, is worried by the lack of information.

“There’s nothing to go on besides the abandoned packaging for a crossbow found in Springfield Park last month,” he said. “There have been no sightings.

“Anyone with any information relating these incidents should contact the police or their neighbourhood watch.”

It is legal for over-18s to own a crossbow, but illegal to use it “for the purpose of killing or taking any wild bird,” as established by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.

Should the bird-hunter be caught, he would be handed a hefty fine but would be unlikely to face imprisonment.