Police have launched an appeal after two more animals were shot dead in Beddington Park over the weekend.

On Saturday (May 29), two baby swans, known as cygnets, were found dead at the park in the morning. 

It comes after a wildlife organisation alerted authorities on May 1, to reports of two Canada geese being shot with a catapult. 

WARNING: Graphic images below 

Wimbledon Times:

A spokesperson for London Wildlife Protection said on Saturday: "The swans at the park welcomed four cignets this year, the first I believe that have hatched successfully for some years.

"This morning (between 9am-10am) the bodies of two cignets were discovered quite clearly shot through the head with a catapult.

"I'm aware there is very little evidence to go on, but this now seems to be an extremely worrying pattern of behaviour which is escalating.

"Beddington Park is a hub for families with young children and dog walkers and this kind of violence cannot be brushed under the carpet.

"There maybe some that don't consider wildlife crime important, but the law is the law and must be followed without fear or favour."

A spokesperson for Sutton Police said: "We are appealing for information after two Canada geese and two cignets were found dead in Beddington Park on 1st and 29th May.

"It is believed a missile fired by a catapult may have been used to kill them.

"These wild birds and their nests are protected in law and any offences against them should be reported to police."

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, contact police on 0207 230 8898 quoting reference 4005167/21.