Police are investigating reports that the well-loved Muscovy ducks at Helston Boating Lake in Coronation Park were attacked yesterday evening (Monday August 24) by teenagers.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “Police in Helston have been made aware of a number of reports of anti-social behaviour in the Coronation Park area including reports of teenagers attacking ducks in the park last night.
“The local Neighbourhood team have been made aware and will be carrying out enquiries in relation to these matters."
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Helston Boating Lake in Coronation Park
The attack, that allegedly included punching, has resulted in many outraged residents commenting on social media.
One neighbour of the lake, who is part of a group of residents that have been caring for the ducks over lockdown, said: “When the cafe closed for refurbishment we went every night to feed, even in Covid two ladies still fed them. It makes my blood boil that this has happened!”
She added that a friend, who had looked after the ducks for ten years, had gone down this morning to check on the ducks.
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David Turnbull, director of South Kerrier Alliance who manage the park, said: "I've been down this morning and checked on the ducks and there doesn't appear to be any injuries.
"They all appear to look healthy.
"I think everything's been said on Facebook really, everyone's disgusted by it. Please be considerate of everybody and everything in the park.
"There are a wide range of people and wildlife that enjoy that park. 99 per cent of the people that use the park enjoy and respect it, and have done so over the summer months."
West Cornwall Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Volunteers issued an appeal on its Facebook page.
The group said: "Urgent: Helston Muscovy duck needs a check after an attack on it including punching."
The group asked anybody who may have recorded the incident on their phones to pass the footage onto police.
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 939 24/08/20.
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