POLICE in Dorchester say they could be close to identifying youths with catapults which have been targeting ducks in the town.

Their evidence collected from residents now includes a picture of four yobs, with one carrying what appears to be a dead mallard.

Acting Sergeant Tom Harness told town councillors his officers are appealing for further pictures, from phones or doorbells, to confirm the identities of those involved.

Residents have set up their own Duck Patrols after hearing of the problems, which have also happened in previous years along the town's riverside walks at various locations between Hangman's Cottage and Lubbecke Way.

In 2023, it was reported that 20 ducks had been killed, with reports of pigeons also being fired on as they roosted in trees at a number of locations around the town.

Six attacks have been reported to the police so far this year, with the town's bobbies and PCSOs stepping up patrols in the area.

In addition to injuries to the ducks, there have also been reports of eggs being smashed and swans being fired at.

Town Mayor Les Fry had previously called for CCTV to be installed in the area.

Catapult damage was also reported last year to a flat above a hairdresser's salon on Poundbury.

Monday evening's town council meeting.

Acting Sgt Harness told Monday evening's town council meeting that, with public help, his officers were getting close to confirming the identities of those involved with the help of a picture of four youngsters with a duck.

"We just need a bit more evidence. It's a top priority for us to nip this in the bud," he said, adding that any additional footage could be helpful.

He described the offences as "red flags," saying that there was evidence that abuse of animals often led to perpetrators going on to commit more serious crimes.