Portsmouth pigeons killed: Police issue update on boys arrested after birds attacked and stamped on

Police have issued an update regarding an investigation into three boys after pigeons were attacked and killed in Portsmouth.

Reports were made to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on June 26 that a gang of youths armed with slingshots were seen shooting and stamping on defenceless birds. The violent attacks took place at South Parade Pier.

Alice Pryor, from the independent Wild Hearts Rescue and Rehabilitation centre - a pigeon and dove rescue centre in Emsworth - previously said the attack was “horrendous”. She added that 12 dead pigeons were found

Two surviving birds were seriously injured and taken to the rescue centre. It’s not certain how many of the 12 were killed by the children, but it appears the majority were.

Police were informed about another incident that week. Children were seen shooting pigeons with slingshots and stamping on them in Commercial Road. Officers were called and arrested a 12-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys, all from Portsmouth, on suspicion of killing a wild bird and possession of an offensive weapon.

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They were all further arrested on suspicion of the same offences in connection with the previous incident. Three slingshots were found and seized. The boys were all placed on bail with conditions until September 30 pending further enquiries.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson has now confirmed that they have now been released under investigation, with not bail date. This means the force is still investigating these incidents.

Anyone with information regarding the South Parade Pier incident is advised to call 101, quoting 44260304420, or quoting 44260310771 regarding Commercial Road. Reports can also be submitted online via the police website.