Five cygnets shot on Rotherham canal, police confirm
Appeal for witnesses as police search for catapult attackers
Police are appealing for witnesses to a shooting incident which left five cygnets injured in Rotherham.
The incident happened overnight between 7pm on Saturday September 5 and 2pm the following day on the Chesterfield Canal, around Brown Lock in Rotherham.
Five young birds were hit by gunfire, according to South Yorkshire Police investigators.
The young swans were taken to a Swan Rescue for treatment and three of the cygnets are said to be recovering well, but the other two are in a serious condition.
Initial enquiries have led officers to believe that they have been shot at with a catapult and ball bearings.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone acting suspicious in the area between those times or has information that can assist to get in touch.
Those with information can contact the force online, via live chat or by calling 101 quoting incident number 705 of 6 September 2026.