Sussex Police on the Hunt for Selsey Teens Who Reportedly Shot Swans with a Catapult

Sussex Police on the Hunt for Selsey Teens Who Reportedly Shot Swans with a Catapult

Sussex Police have launched an investigation and appeal for witnesses after a disturbing incident involving the reported shooting of swans with a catapult in the coastal town of Selsey. Officers say they are actively seeking a group of teenagers believed to be responsible for the act of animal cruelty.

 

The incident allegedly took place on the afternoon of Sunday, 27 April, near the Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve—an area well-known for its diverse wildlife and protected status. Members of the public reported seeing a group of young people aiming and firing a catapult at a pair of mute swans. The swans, which are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, were seen fleeing the area in visible distress.

 

According to witnesses, the teenagers—described as three males aged between 14 and 17—were spotted near the reserve’s southern lagoon. One was reportedly seen loading small stones or pellets into a slingshot-style catapult before taking aim at the birds.

 

A local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Swans are such majestic birds, and to see someone purposely trying to hurt them was sickening. I shouted at them, but they ran off into the trees.”

 

Police have confirmed they received several calls regarding the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby properties and the nature reserve. Officers have also stepped up patrols in the area in hopes of deterring further incidents and identifying the individuals involved.

 

PC Sarah Hemsley from the Chichester Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We take all reports of wildlife crime extremely seriously. This was a cruel and unnecessary attack on protected animals, and we are determined to find those responsible. Swans, like all wild birds, are protected by law. Harming them is not only morally wrong—it is a criminal offence.”

 

The RSPCA has also been informed and is working with Sussex Police to ensure the birds did not suffer serious injury. An RSPCA spokesperson said: “It is deeply concerning to hear of anyone deliberately targeting animals in this way. Swans can suffer broken bones, internal injuries, and immense stress from such attacks. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”

 

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but police have not ruled out the possibility that it was a deliberate act of cruelty or a misguided attempt at “fun.”

 

Sussex Police are calling for anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information about the teenagers involved to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen a group matching the suspects’ description or who has video footage from the area around the time of the incident.

 

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 47250098765, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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