Catapult yobs attacked innocent wildlife in a Basildon park, killing two birds and injuring two others.

The team at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital rushed to Gloucester Park yesterday evening after receiving a "frantic call" needing help for an injured goose.

When they arrived at the site on Cranes Farm Road, they found two birds had been killed and two birds injured by vandals with catapults.

However, all the birds had fractured skulls, so the team had no other option but to euthanize the live birds.

It's understood Essex Police attended the incident, which is believed to have happened around 6.45pm.

Graphic warning on photo below:

Echo:

Read more:

Tributes paid to 'prankster' cabbie who lost cancer battle after Covid delayed vital transplant

Family fears "poisoned ham" was chucked in their garden to hurt their dog

A spokesperson from the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, said: "We had a very hectic day yesterday. As usual everyone was late going home and just as Joe was leaving we had a frantic call needing help for an injured goose.

"Joe raced to Gloucester Park in Basildon where he found 2 birds killed and 2 birds injured by vandals with catapults.

"All birds had fractured skulls so we had no option but to euthanize the live birds, the geese that Joe managed to spot and catch.

"This was just in one area, there may well be other injured birds elsewhere in the park. The police attended.

"Tom and Sue eventually got out of the hospital at 2am. They took the first call of the day at 6am.

"Dealing with deliberate cruelty on top of everything else we have to manage is heartbreaking to see and exhausting to deal with.

"We rarely disclose locations but are so angry about this we want folk to be extra vigilant in the area. We are sorry for distressing photo."