Richmond Park: People filmed trying to break off deer antlers

Police said people had been caught on video trying to remove deer antlers

Deer in London's Richmond Park have been targeted by people grabbing and trying to break off their antlers, police said.

The Royal Parks Police, part of the Metropolitan Police, said the attackers had been caught on video in the west London park.

The force said the animals had been approached over the weekend.

In a post on X, the force said: "People are taking hold of them and trying to force them off."

Police said it was "distressing for the deer and also a criminal offence".

Reposting the force's message, the British Deer Society said: "Park deer are wild animals, and for their safety and yours, please keep your distance!

"Do not approach any deer closer than 50m, and stay at least 100m away from rutting deer."

According to Royal Parks, Richmond Park is home to more than 630 red and fallow deer.

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