Duck attacked with dart survives

The duck survived the attack and was released back into the wild

A duck hit in the head by a dart is the eighth bird to have been attacked in East Sussex in the last three weeks.

The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (Wras) said the dart was able to be removed and the duck was fit to be taken back to Hampden Park.

A £1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the attack and recent gull shootings.

Spokesman Trevor Weeks said the "cruel incidents" had led to costly vet bills.

He added that the charity had also received reports of people trying to strangle swans at Princes Park, in Eastbourne, last weekend.

"We are asking people to be vigilant about this and to keep an eye open for anyone else who tries to injure or cause unnecessary suffering to our local wildlife," the Wras founder said.

The £1,000 reward is being jointly offered by Wras and International Animal Rescue.

Anyone with information about any attacks on birds is urged to contact Sussex Police.