Two foxes have been killed in the area with a third spotted with an arrow in it’s back
(Picture: Metropolitan Police)Detectives are hunting a crossbow-wielding attacker suspected of killing at least two foxes in south east London.
A homeowner alerted police after they spotted a fox with an arrow sticking out of its back in Parkgate, Blackheath, a leafy cul-de-sac where five-bed homes can fetch £2.7million.
Volunteers from the Fox Project charity gave first-aid to the young dog fox and rushed the animal to the charity’s base in Kent, but it could not be saved.
A statement from the Fox Project on Facebook said: “The incompetence of the culprit meant the animal was not killed immediately but was moving around in pain and distress, gradually weakening from blood loss for several days before our rescue team was able to get close enough to capture it.
“By then, it was too late, and we had no choice but to call it a day – although, at least, the pain was over.”
The grim discovery on Thursday came after another fox was found dead in the same area. A third is reported to have been seen nearby with a bolt or arrow protruding from its body.
Conchi Gago, from the Met’s Wildlife Crime Unit, said: “It’s absolutely shocking that two animals have died in such awful circumstances.
“It is obvious that whoever did this did so deliberately and it is disturbing to think that someone would intend to injure and kill a wild animal.”
It is against the law under section 11 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to kill or take any wild animals using a bow or crossbow.
The Fox Project is offering a £2,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of whoever is responsible.
Founder Trevor Williams, added: “Every year we treat more than 1,000 foxes at our specialist rescue centre but this is a truly shocking case.
“It’s hard to understand that there is a small minority of people in society who are capable of such extreme cruelty to animals.”
Anyone who has information which can assist police is asked to call 020 7230 8898 or email Wildlife-SCD6@met.police.uk quoting CAD 4617/06Nov.
