Catapult duck attacks spark increased police patrols

Ducks have allegedly been shot with catapults on the Basingstoke Canal in Ash, near Guildford

Police patrols have been increased in part of Surrey after reports of birds being shot in a suspected catapult attack.

It is believed that ducks on the Basingstoke Canal in the village of Ash, near Guildford, had been hit with missiles fired by the weapons.

The force said it had been working with schools to highlight the dangers of using catapults after anti-social behaviour in the area.

Anyone who witnessed catapults being fired at wildlife is urged to contact police.

The force is also working with the Basingstoke Canal Authority following the incidents.

A petition to ban the sale of catapults and make carrying one in public an offence was launched in 2024 by volunteers at the Egham Swan Sanctuary.

It followed a series of attacks on water birds across the South East.

So far it had collected nearly 25,000 signatures, although in April, the government said it believed current legislation was sufficient.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.