Baby swans shot at with "catapult" in Rotherham - police issue appeal

Five baby swans were shot at with a “catapult and ball bearing” in Rotherham, police have revealed.

Between Saturday, September 5 at 7pm and Sunday, September 6 at 2pm, five cygnets were injured after being shot at on Chesterfield Canal, around ‘Browns Lock’.

The animals were taken to a swan rescue centre for treatment, and three of the cygnets are recovering well, but two are currently in serious condition.

South Yorkshire Police said they are believed to have been shot at“with a catapult and ball bearing.

The forces urge anyone who witnessed anything or anyone acting suspicious in the area between those times, or who have information, to get in touch.

Call 101 quoting incident number 705 of September 6, 2026.

• RELATED: Travel chaos as buses diverted following collision between pedestrian and bus
• RELATED: Pedestrian suffers "life-threatening injuries" after collision with bus in Sheffield
• RELATED: Student police officer who had sexual relationship with crime victim pleads guilty