Singleton Lake will be monitored by a wildlife crime officer after a gosling was shot dead with a catapult.

The cruel attack was the latest in a line of violence against wildlife at the picturesque spot, popular with anglers and dog walkers.

A group of four of five youths were spotted by a member of the public at 6.15pm, firing at birds on the lake.

The man chased the teenagers away and called police.

PC Michael ‘Geordie’ Laidlow, one of Kent Police’s wildlife crime officers, was appalled by the mindless act and vowed to catch those responsible. He said: “We are aware of ongoing problems at Singleton Lake and I am working with the parish council to find a solution.

“People can’t just shoot an animal with a catapult – it’s cruel. To those who claim they have a right to hunt, to do so they would need a licence from Natural England, which isn’t easy to get, and permission to hunt on the land. Otherwise it’s trespass.”

Police spokesman Jon Green said: “The call came in at 6.17pm to four youths with catapults aiming at birds on the lake.”

The member of the public who called police told the operator one of the youths had a knife, yet officers were not sent out to investigate.

Mr Green added: “The caller saw what they thought was the handle of a knife in one of the youth’s pockets. All the youths dispersed and ran off while the caller was reporting it. Details were taken over the phone.

“At the time this call came in, all available patrols were dealing with other urgent incidents and demand was particularly high, being Bank Holiday Monday.

“There were no free patrols available to attend in person.

“Incidents of this nature are taken seriously and Ashford Community Safety Unit is working on a plan.”