Heron shot with an arrow is flying around with the projectile still embedded in its body two WEEKS later - as police launch hunt for shooter
A heron which was shot with an arrow two weeks ago is amazingly still able to fly.
Suffolk Police said today that astonished locals have spotted it flying through the sky, with the arrow still embedded in its body.
It has even been seen 'feeding well' with the shaft of the arrow clearly visible, piercing its body on one side and coming out on the other.
People spotted the stricken bird flying round the villages of Wetherden, Haughley and Woolpit, near Stowmarket.
A heron which was shot with an arrow two weeks ago is amazingly still able to fly. Suffolk Police said today that astonished locals have spotted it flying through the sky, with the arrow still embedded in its body
The heron was photographed sitting on a rooftop by Mark Proctor in Woolpit on July 23rd, and there have been several sightings of it in the past few days.
Police aren't sure if the arrow was fired from a longbow or - more likely - from a crossbow.
'It's just unbelievable that someone could do that' said Sgt Brian Calver. 'My concern is that whoever is doing it, it's probably not a one-off, and it's probably not the first time.
'We want to capture any evidence we can in order to capture them and prosecute them.
'That arrow is highly likely to have human DNA on it - nothing would give me greater pleasure than to have whoever is responsible for this brought to justice.'
He said the chances of catching the bird in the next few days were 'sadly fairly slim' as it appeared to be well and flying without any trouble.
'It's just unbelievable that someone could do that' said Police Sgt Brian Calver. 'My concern is that whoever is doing it, it's probably not a one-off, and it's probably not the first time' (stock image)
'It could carry on a for a while, but infection will slow it down.'
He said shooting a heron was not only illegal, but an extreme measure.
'They naturally eat fish, frogs and toads - if you've got a pond and they're causing a problem, put netting over it, there are ways and means without causing harm to them.
'It's disgusting, and it's completely inexcusable causing horrific injuries to these poor things.'