Youths armed with catapults have been targeting pets and wildlife across Britain, filming the attacks and posting them on TikTok for likes and followers. The most recent incident saw more than 40 parakeets killed in Priory Gardens, a park in Orpington, south-east London, adding to years of similar attacks in the area that have also hit cats, dogs, squirrels, foxes and waterbirds.

Campaigners say at least 43 parakeets were killed in the park within a three-week period, with attackers reportedly using "lamping" — shining bright lights to startle birds before firing ball bearings or bolts at them. Rae Gellel of the Greenwich Wildlife Network said attacks have occurred since 2020 and are reported across south-east London daily, describing animals left blinded, maimed or orphaned; other cases include a cat called Simba struck in the head and a fox found dead with a head wound. Some children involved are thought to be as young as eight, with social media posts suggesting adults may be encouraging the behaviour.