Armed Police Attend Zoo After Men Break In And Throw Bottle At Giraffe's Head

Armed police were called to a zoo after men broke in and harassed animals, throwing a bottle at a giraffe's head. Watch footage from the break-in here:

Staff at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, Hampshire, called police on Monday night (15 February) following reports on social media that raiders were 'throwing things' at the animals.

One clip shows a bottle being tossed at a giraffe's head, and voices can be heard laughing in the background.

Multiple police units, including armed response officers, a dog unit and a helicopter were dispatched to catch the intruders amid fears endangered animals were at risk.

Three men in their early 20s from Gosport and Fareham were arrested on suspicion of burglary after the break in at 11.40pm.

A 22-year-old woman from Gosport was also arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting the suspects, after police intercepted her car as it was leaving the area with the men inside.

The four have since been released from police custody and the investigation is ongoing.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: "Entry had been forced to the site, and multiple buildings within the grounds, causing significant damage.

"A 20-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, both from Fareham, and a 22-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, both from Gosport, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary."

A spokeswoman for Marwell Zoo said the animals appeared to be uninjured and are now being monitored by staff.

She said: "We are aware of the appalling videos being circulated online showing our endangered animals in distress and we continue to assist the police with their investigation.

"Our animals are all safe and those affected are being carefully monitored and cared for by our expert animal teams.

"Marwell is a conservation charity and this has happened at a time we are facing the toughest challenge in our nearly 50 year history after losing more than £4 million in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are humbled by the messages of support from our community and the generosity of those who have donated to our JustGiving fundraising appeal, which is helping us to care for our animals during this unsettling time."

You can donate here.

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Topics: crime

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey