Fresh Appeal Over Swan Crossbow Attack

Police are still looking for a suspect after one swan died and another was badly injured when they were shot with a crossbow in Bournemouth.

It happened at approximately 6pm on Wednesday 27th March 2013 at Throop Mill on Throop Road.

The two swans, a male and female pair, were shot at by someone using a crossbow seriously injuring both.

The RSPCA were alerted by members of the public and attended to try and catch the injured birds.

The male was caught and received veterinary treatment for an injured lung, but the female could not be caught and died from her injuries two days later.

The animal charity says mute swans mate for life so the male had to be shown the female's body so he knew she had gone.

Police Constable Claire Dinsdale, Wildlife Crime Officer at Poole police, said:

“This is an atrocious act, and following further investigations, I am now able to release some details of a man we would like to speak with.

“He was seen in the area of Throop Mill at around 6.15pm and has a very distinctive appearance.

“He is around six feet tall, of solid build, aged in his late forties, and had a tanned, weathered face and dark hair.

“He was wearing a black baseball cap, and a black or dark coloured leather jacket with red piping.

“He was carrying a black crossbow, which also had red piping on it and appeared to almost match the clothing he had on.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen this man in the area at the time of this incident to come forward and contact police in confidence.

“I believe he would have been seen by members of the public as the location is very popular with dog walkers and fisherman.

PC Dinsdale continued:

“Swans are Crown property and therefore killing or injuring them is a serious offence.

“It appears the Mill itself has also been shot at causing damage to the windows.

“Anyone who may have witnessed the attack take place or can help us further with our enquiries is urged to call the non-emergency number 101.”