Jogger Kills Newborn Cygnet

---

Police appeal for witnesses to incident in Richmond Park


twitter.com/MPSRoyal_Parks

Sadly the police have reported that the cygnet who was kicked by a jogger has died. The cygnet had been cared for by The Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton.

Police continue to look for witnesses and a white male, about 60 years old, approximately 5ft 6", with grey hair, who was wearing black running shorts and vest in Richmond Park yesterday (9th June). The jogger was seen near Pens Ponds at about 17:30 hours at Pen Ponds, when he kicked a newborn cygnet out of his way instead of going around it.

In a later tweet the police say he kicked a second cygnet:

#Update Sadly the Cygnet died this afternoon, his injures were too severe. 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.

— Royal Parks Police (@MPSRoyal_Parks) June 10, 2020

Simon Richards, Park Manager for Richmond Park, said: “There is no justification for this disgusting behaviour.

“We thank the kind visitors for rescuing this cygnet and the Swan Sanctuary for caring for it and hope the police will bring justice to the person who carried out this cruel action.”

Any information please call 07920 586546 and quote ref 0705738/20

June 11, 2020