Baby Swan 'Deliberately' Kicked By Jogger In London Has Died

A baby swan that police suspect was 'deliberately' kicked by a jogger has died in London.

Outrage swept across the UK after reports emerged a man had booted a cygnet because he 'couldn't be bothered' to run around it.

The Royal Parks Police delivered the sad news yesterday (June 11) that the swan had died.

"Sadly the Cygnet died this afternoon, his injures were too severe," a statement said on social media. "The suspect was seen to kick another cygnet, which thankfully managed to escape to the water. The jogger had a logo on his running top and is balding."

The Parks Police was keeping everyone informed of the animal's condition after it was taken into care. People were urged not to keep their hopes high as the cygnet was described a 'desperately poorly'.

The police force, which is part of the Metropolitan Police, said in a tweet: "The suspect is a white male, about 60 years old, 5ft 6in, grey hair, wearing black running shorts and vest. We have just spoken to the Swan Sanctuary who have said, 'Sadly he is still desperately poorly'. Thankfully he is in good hands."

Royal Parks Police

The Swan Sanctuary posted on Facebook blasting the jogger who 'deliberately booted this newborn cygnet out of his way rather than swerve round him'.

The post continued: "We are doing all we can but it doesn't look hopeful. Thank goodness there were some kind people who picked him up and reported the incident to the park rangers."

The hunt is now on to find the jogger accused of this despicable crime. The incident took place in Richmond Park in London on Monday. Police have said the jogger was a grey-haired man who was around 60 years old.

Police are appealing for any information about the incident and have asked who knows anything to call please call 07920 586546 and quote reference number 0705738/20.

Earlier this year, police in Berkshire launched an appeal after a nesting swan was shot in the head with an air rifle as she was tending to her unhatched eggs. Shockingly, animal charity Swan Support said the attack was the fifth one in a ten day period, adding that four swans had been injured and one has sadly died.

Topics: UK News, News, Animals

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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