THERE are fears a child could get hurt after foxes were believed to be the latest animals to be killed by ball bearings shot from a catapult at a popular park.

A pair of foxes were found dead in Blakers Park in the Fiveways area of Brighton in late November.

It is believed the animals were killed by ball bearings shot from a catapult.

The Argus: Foxes have been found dead in a park in BrightonFoxes have been found dead in a park in Brighton

Last week, The Argus reported that a number of squirrels and birds were found dead St Peter's Church in Preston Park, Brighton last month.

Visitors to the churchyard also found “giant ball bearings” scattered across the grounds.

Heather St Claire, who has been feeding squirrels in the churchyard for more than two years, shared her concerns with members of the Brighton and Hove Bird, Gull, Pigeon, Wildlife Advice and Rescue Service Facebook Page.

The Argus: Ball bearings found in St Peters Churchyard in BrightonBall bearings found in St Peters Churchyard in Brighton

Since then, people have reported finding dead animals with similar injuries in Preston Drove and Queen’s Park.

Members of the group refer to the individuals they believe to be responsible as the "catapult hunters".

Heather said: “It’s really disturbing. There’s a lot of people in the Facebook groups who want to increase their dog walking in the area.

“There’s a general feeling of the concern in the community and you can definitely feel it.”

Sally Munt, who is a member of the Wildlife Advice and Rescue Service Facebook page, said she is concerned that domestic pets and people could be targeted next.

She told The Argus: “That churchyard is like a sanctuary for wildlife, and it has many, many squirrels, incredible bird life and evidence of foxes living in there.

“It’s just a beautiful place and is very popular with people who just want to go and have some peace and quiet.

“Any of those ball bearings could have hit a child or other people in the park, which is obviously very dangerous.”

Sussex Police said an investigation has been carried out by the Rural Crime Team into the death of squirrels near Preston Park, but that "there are no further lines of enquiry".

A spokeswoman said the force it had received no reports of foxes being killed in Blakers Park.

Brighton and Hove City Council, who are responsible for the upkeep of Blakers Park, have been contacted for a comment.

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