South east London animal catapult attacks: Two arrested

Fatal and crippling attacks have been reported in Greenwich, Dartford, Thamesmead, Bexley, and Priory Gardens in Oprington.

The police have acknowledged the “really concerning” incidents and recently arrested two boys alleged to have had a catapult as part of a “hard stance against [alleged] offenders”.

Jacqui Mitchell, founder of the Priory Gardens Wildlife Foundation, told The Standard that catapult attacks were an “epidemic” and almost a “daily occurrence”.In January 2024, police seized catapults and ammunition and cautioned youths in Orpington (Image: Orpington Police on X)

She said: “It has reached epidemic levels and something must be done and fast before our wildlife numbers decline too much that some of our endangered species become extinct.”

Rae Gellel, founder of the Greenwich Wildlife Network, explained in a blog post that ball bearings, rocks, or nuts and bolts leave animals blind, with broken bones or dead.(Image: Greenwich Wildlife Network) One mallard duck had its lower beak shot off and died three days later, having starved to death.

On March 21, a fox was found dead in Orpington with a ball bearing embedded in her nose and a “fresh, fatal wound in her middle”.

Rae explained: “We may never be able to capture the affected animal, and they may linger on for days, suffering from painful injuries, before finally dying.”(Image: Fox Project) Other incidents have been reported by St. Clements Lake in Dartford, when a goose died from headwounds that campaigners “strongly suspect” came from a catapult.

When asked what action it would be taking, the Metropolitan Police said it was responding to concerns and using law enforcement where possible.

It highlighted two young people arrested in Orpington after being suspected of having a catapult. Following the arrests two catapults were seized – investigations are ongoing.An incident at Priory Gardens left a bird with no lower beak – leading it to starve to death (Image: Greenwich Wildlife Network) The arrests were not said to be in connection with a specific incident.

But campaigners want more, setting up a petition to make the sale and possession of catapults illegal in the UK.

At least five animals killed and 10 injured in Orpington catapult ‘massacre’

It stands at over 17,000 signatures, demanding a government response.

The highest proportion of signatories are in Kent and south east London, corresponding with where the most animal attacks are happening.

RSPCA figures show that Greater London has the second-highest number of weapon-related incidents of any county in England and Wales after Kent.

A protest organised at Priory Gardens on April 6 aims to raise awareness of the frequent attacks in the area.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “We know that this sort of activity is really concerning for local residents, and we want to reassure them that we will take a hard stance against offenders.

“Local officers are actively responding to concerns regarding the behaviour and an investigation is underway to identify those involved.

“This involves using enforcement powers to target those responsible.

“We are working with partners in the local authority to target the locations where this takes place.

“We would like to reassure the local community that officers are actively responding to concerns raised regarding this antisocial behaviour in the area.

“We remain determined to combat this type of behaviour and will continue directing patrols to deter these crimes wherever they are taking place.

“On 14, March two youths were arrested in Orpington High Street following reports that the pair were in possession of a catapult. Two catapults were seized following the arrest.

“The investigation into the circumstances above remains on-going.

“We urge members of the public who know who these people are to pass this information to the police via 101 or Crimestoppers if they wish to do so anonymously.”