Police in London on are on the hunt for a jogger who is alleged to have booted a cygnet because he 'couldn't be bothered' to run around it.
The poor baby bird has been left seriously injured with vets suspecting it may have brain damage following the attack.
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.
Advert
In a tweet, Royal Parks Police wrote that the man 'kicked a newborn cygnet out of his way instead of going around'.
Before saying it was now being cared for by experts at the Swan Sanctuary, but that it's 'not looking good' for the tiny bird.
In a second tweet the force, which is part of the Metropolitan Police, described the suspect, writing: "The suspect is a white male, about 60 years old, 5ft 6in, grey hair, wearing black running shorts and vest.
Advert
"We have just spoken to the Swan Sanctuary who have said, 'Sadly he is still desperately poorly'. Thankfully he is in good hands."
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."
Advert
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.
Featured Image Credit: @MPSRoyal_ParksTopics: UK News, crime, Animals
