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Children are filming themselves using catapults to kill and torture animals in a UK-wide network on WhatsApp, Sky News can reveal.

Warning: This story contains images and descriptions readers may find distressing

The youngsters – including some of primary school age – have been sharing footage and photos of their kills in groups on the messaging app.

In some videos, injured animals are shown dying slowly after being shot with hand-held catapults.

In others, young people kick and abuse the animals after shooting them – as well as pose holding their dead bodies.

Sky News has discovered nearly 500 members of catapult groups on WhatsApp, in which more than 350 photos and videos have been shared of animals that have been killed or wounded with the weapons.

A duck with a catapult wound on its neck
Image:
A duck with a catapult wound on its neck

The RSPCA described the material in the groups as “horrendous” and said it was an “emerging trend”.

The “sick” attacks have prompted calls for a change in the law as catapults are not classed as an illegal weapon and can be bought and carried legally.

The animals targeted include pigs, deer, pigeons, foxes, squirrels, pheasants, rabbits, geese and ducks – with one charity saying it had seen an “exponential” rise in birds with catapult injuries.

Sky News discovered 489 members across 11 catapult groups on WhatsApp
Image:
Sky News discovered hundreds of members across 11 catapult groups on WhatsApp

The Swan Sanctuary, which rescues swans and other waterfowl in Shepperton, has around 20 birds in its care with catapult injuries.

Volunteer Danni Rogers says the “devastating” wounds are mostly to the birds’ heads and necks as a result of “pure kill shots”.

An injured swan that was shot with a catapult. Pic: The Swan Sanctuary
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An injured swan that was shot with a catapult. Pic: The Swan Sanctuary

X-ray images show ball bearings lodged in the birds, as well as shattered bones from the impact of catapult shots.

Describing the “life-changing, death-causing” injuries, Mr Rogers said he had seen “fractures to facial areas, eyes exploding and windpipes bursting”.

An x-ray image shows ball bearings lodged in a swan. Pic: The Swan Sanctuary
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An x-ray image shows ball bearings lodged in a swan. Pic: The Swan Sanctuary

“I get emotional about seeing animals in distress,” he told Sky News.

“(They’re) being targeted for no other reason than just pure evil fun.”

In one incident, Mr Rogers said he was rescuing a swan with catapult injuries when he was made aware that children with catapults were shooting in the area.

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Sky’s Amelia Harper has been investigating the disturbing trend of ‘catapult groups’.

He later discovered a dead pigeon – freshly killed by a catapult – next to his vehicle, which had been left as a “trophy”.

Sky News has discovered 489 members – including young children, teenagers and some young adults – across 11 catapult groups on WhatsApp.

An image of a squirrel apparently killed with a catapult was shared
Image:
This photo of a squirrel killed with a catapult was shared

In one video shared on a group, a deer lies twitching on the ground, severely injured with a head wound, having just been shot with a catapult by a child.

The young person who attacked the deer then stands over the animal while bringing a hand-held catapult in front of the camera for viewers to see.

Watching it on the floor, the child then kicks the deer, causing it to writhe around in visible distress.

An image of a deer dying from a catapult wound was shared
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A WhatsApp user posted this image of a deer dying from a catapult wound

In another video, two teenagers have shot a fox, with one heard saying: “Okay boys… steel shot in the head.” The catapult is then held up to the camera, showing the weapon used to kill the animal.

In one video, a teenager holds up a catapult while filming a Canada goose drowning, having shot it from across a pond. While filming the severely injured bird, the attacker is heard celebrating.

“One up for the new catapult, big Canadian goose, dead as a dodo. Get up!” he says.

One of the messages posted in the WhatsApp group
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One of the messages posted in a catapult group on WhatsApp

Separate footage shows a child of primary school age filming themselves picking up a heavily bleeding squirrel while saying: “Look at that boys, it’s a ball bearing for ya… have that you prick.”

The material in the WhatsApp groups also includes voice notes where children are heard describing their kills.

One boy says in a voice note: “Shot him straight in the head boys, smack bang in the skull, not one bit of kick, nothing, no little flinch before he died.”

A voice note left in one of the catapult groups on WhatsApp

In another voice note, a boy says: “Goes straight through the rabbit’s head.”

A voice note left in one of the catapult groups on WhatsApp

In a separate voice note, one boy says: “I killed 16 things today lads.”

A voice note left in one of the catapult groups on WhatsApp

Geoff Edmond, the RSPCA’s lead wildlife officer, said the catapult killings were an “emerging trend” and children involved were “deliberately and intentionally targeting” animals “for sport”.

“We’re seeing more and more injured animals being reported to us that are being hit by catapults,” he said.

One of the messages posted in the WhatsApp group
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A message posted in a catapult group on WhatsApp

Police in London and Essex were also aware of increasing numbers of incidents, Mr Edmond added.

While it is not illegal to buy or carry a catapult, when it comes to shooting with one, the law has a number of different pieces of legislation protecting animals.

The first is the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which says that causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence.

A photo of a catapult and a knife was shared in one of the WhatsApp groups
Image:
A photo of a catapult and a knife was shared in one of the WhatsApp groups

In the material shared on WhatsApp, a number of the animals are abused while still alive, which again is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act.

Another piece of relevant legislation is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which protects wild birds and some animals in England and Wales.

This act lists weapons that a person must not use to kill an animal, but catapults are not included in that list.

An image of a fox apparently killed with a catapult was shared
Image:
A fox suffered a deadly wound to its head from a catapult

Henry Smith, the vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, says parliament urgently needs to look at changing the legislation.

The MP believes the government should look at ensuring there is a “criminal sanction” for “those who use catapults as a weapon to inflict injury and suffering” and look at restricting sales to under-18s.

Catapults are readily available to buy online, including on websites like eBay and Amazon.

In the catapult groups, young people also trade, sell and even make them by hand, while some people even promote knives.

Read more from Sky News:
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What led to palace admission over ‘manipulated’ photo of Kate

Mr Smith said: “Until a few people are convicted of using catapults for inflicting great suffering on animals, and they face the consequences of that in law, then there won’t be a deterrent to stop other people from engaging in this sick activity.”

WhatsApp said the material being shared in the catapult groups was against its terms of use.

A WhatsApp spokesperson told Sky News: “We respond to law enforcement requests based on applicable law and policy.”

For more information on how you can help injured or targeted wildlife, visit www.rspca.org.uk.

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Tulip Siddiq named in third Bangladesh inquiry into money laundering and power misuse

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Tulip Siddiq named in third Bangladesh inquiry into money laundering and power misuse

Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq has been named in a third inquiry being launched by authorities in Bangladesh investigating money laundering and power misuse.

At a media briefing in Dhaka held hours after Ms Siddiq resigned as a minister, investigators confirmed they were working on another probe involving the Labour MP.

It is the third Bangladesh inquiry and comes on top of questions about London properties she lives in or has lived in with links to her aunt, the ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party.

Director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission Akhtar Hossain told Sky News the organisation was “preparing another investigation against Tulip Siddiq and her uncle Tarique Siddique for money laundering, power misuse, and illegally occupying Bangladesh government property”.

Mr Hossain also said the investigation team in Bangladesh would contact the UK authorities if additional information was required.

A spokesperson for Ms Siddiq said: “No evidence has been presented for these allegations.

“Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted by anyone on the matter and totally denies the claims.”

More on Tulip Siddiq

Tarique Siddique is Ms Siddiq’s uncle – the husband of her mother’s younger sister – and previously served as a defence and security adviser to her aunt Sheikh Hasina.

Ms Hasina fled Bangladesh in August and resigned her post after 20 years amid weeks of deadly protests.

Read more: What allegations is Tulip Siddiq facing?

Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
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Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters

The new government has since accused Ms Hasina’s Awami League administration of crimes and corruption while in office.

Ms Siddiq quit as anti-corruption minister on Tuesday after links with her aunt and her political regime came under scrutiny.

It is claimed she has benefited financially from three London properties linked to her aunt and her allies.

She referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser Sir Laurie Magnus who said he had “not identified evidence of improprieties” but added it was “regrettable” Ms Siddiq had not been more alert to the “potential reputational risks” of the ties to her aunt.

Ms Siddiq said continuing in her role would be “a distraction” for the government but insisted she had done nothing wrong.

Read more: Tulip Siddiq boasted of links with ousted Bangladesh PM

Tulip Siddiq (far left) with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina (third left), and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a 2013 signing ceremony in the Kremlin as Moscow lent $1.5bn to help build a nuclear power station. File pic: AP
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Tulip Siddiq (far left) with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina (third left), and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a 2013 signing ceremony in the Kremlin as Moscow lent $1.5bn to help build a nuclear power station. File pic: AP

Earlier this week, Sky News revealed Bangladesh investigators were looking into Ms Siddiq as part of a separate corruption inquiry into the illegal allocation of land in a new town development outside of Dhaka.

She was also named in an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of $5bn (£3.9bn) from a nuclear power project in the country developed in partnership with Russia.

Labour sources suggested these accusations were not genuine and Ms Siddiq had not been contacted by anyone in Bangladesh about the inquiries.

Nobel peace-prize winning economist Muhammad Yunus, who is leading Bangladesh’s interim government, said the London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated and returned if she is found to have benefited from “plain robbery”.

Following her resignation, Professor Yunus said there will be a thorough investigation into properties and assets “tied to stolen Bangladeshi funds, including those linked to individuals with connections to the previous regime” and if it is proven they have benefited from embezzlement “we expect those assets to be returned to Bangladesh, where they rightfully belong”.

“Tulip Siddiq may not have entirely understood the source of the money and property that she was enjoying in London, but she knows now and should seek forgiveness from the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

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Singer Linda Nolan dies ’embraced with love’ with siblings by her side

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Singer Linda Nolan dies 'embraced with love' with siblings by her side

Singer Linda Nolan, who rose to fame alongside her sisters in The Nolans, has died after several years of battling cancer.

The Irish star, 65, and her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, had a run of hits in the late 1970s and ’80s – including the disco classic I’m In The Mood For Dancing.

Paying tribute on The Nolans‘ X account, her sisters described her as “a pop icon and beacon of hope”, who “faced incurable cancer with courage, grace and determination, inspiring millions”.

Linda died peacefully in hospital this morning, “embraced with love and comfort” with her siblings by her side, her agent Dermot McNamara said in a statement.

“As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide, touring the world and selling over 30 million records,” he said.

“Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment.

“Beyond her incredible career, Linda dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20m for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans, amongst countless others. Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy.”

Linda Nolan, Anne Nolan, Bernie Nolan, Coleen Nolan, and Maureen Nolan.
Pic PA
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Five of the Nolans in 1983 (L-R): Linda, Anne, Bernie, Coleen and Maureen. Pic: PA

Linda’s death came after she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia over the weekend. She began receiving end-of-life care after slipping into a coma on Tuesday, Mr McNamara said.

Details of a celebration of the star’s “remarkable life” will be shared in due course, he added.

Linda was born to Tommy and Maureen Nolan in Dublin on 23 February 1959, the sixth of eight children.

Her parents were both singers and keen to turn their young family into a musical troupe. Linda made her stage debut aged just four.

Those early years put the siblings on track for a career in show business which lasted for decades. As well as I’m In The Mood For Dancing, The Nolans had hits with Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention To Me and Don’t Make Waves, and they also had their own TV specials.

At their height, they toured with Frank Sinatra and were reported to have outsold The Beatles in Japan.

Linda left the group in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances. She also became known for musical theatre, most notably performing the role of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers for three years from 2000.

The Nolan Sisters, (left to right) Bernadette, Denise, Linda (top), Anne and Maureen
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L-R: Bernie, Denise, Linda (top), Anne and Maureen Nolan pictured in 1975, before youngest sister Coleen joined the group

Four siblings struck by cancer

Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and underwent a mastectomy to remove her left breast two days before her 47th birthday.

After being given the all-clear in 2011, in 2017 she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Three years later, Linda and Anne together revealed they were being treated for cancer once again.

The sisters were diagnosed with different forms of the disease just days apart after they returned home from filming a series of their show, The Nolans Go Cruising. Linda had cancer of the liver, while Anne had breast cancer.

Linda Nolan seen attending the Bold x Pink Ribbon Foundation Party in 2024.
Pic: Shutterstock
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The star, pictured last year, had battled cancer for several years. Pic: Shutterstock

They went on to write Stronger Together, an account of their journey that included frank details of their treatments and the side effects.

But in 2023, Linda revealed the cancer had spread to her brain and she was beginning treatment as part of a new drug trial.

The Nolans lost their second-youngest sister, Bernie, to cancer in 2013, aged 52.

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan also revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and said she was using a chemotherapy cream to remove it.

Linda’s husband of 26 years, Brian Hudson, died in 2007 after being diagnosed with skin cancer.

Anne Nolan is now cancer-free.

Tributes to star ‘who was always a joy’

TV star and singer Cheryl Baker and comedian Tommy Cannon are among those who have paid tribute.

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Linda Nolan,” Cannon wrote on X. “I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love. My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family.”

“The most incredible voice, the wickedest sense of humour, such a massive talent,” Baker wrote. “You’re with Brian now, Lin.”

Loose Women also sent its love to her family. Linda appeared as a guest panellist on the ITV chat show over the years, alongside her sister Coleen.

The Blackpool Grand Theatre described her as “a true Blackpool icon”.

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Kelyan Bokassa: Three arrested after boy, 14, stabbed to death on London bus

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Kelyan Bokassa: Three arrested after boy, 14, stabbed to death on London bus

Two teenagers and a woman have been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a bus in southeast London.

Kelyan Bokassa was on the 472 service in Woolwich when he was attacked just before 2.30pm on Tuesday 7 January.

The teenager died at the scene shortly after medical help arrived.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder, and a 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All three remain in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said: “While these arrests mark a significant step forward in this investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Kelyan’s murder to come forward and speak to us.

“I would like to thank officers for working around the clock in order to locate our suspects and praise the Woolwich community for their ongoing support and patience whilst we have carried out our investigation.

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“I know that this incident deeply affected you all, and I hope that these two arrests reassure you that we are doing everything to tackle violent offenders across London.”

Anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul. Pic: PA
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Anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul speaking during a vigil held for Kelyan last week. Pic: PA

The Metropolitan Police called the stabbing a “horrific attack”, while London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said the “heartbreaking violence has absolutely no place in our city”.

Kelyan was an aspiring rapper, who was described as having “briefly” been a student at St Columbia’s Catholic Boys School in Bexleyheath.

Following his death, his mother Mary Bokassa described his troubled childhood to journalists.

She said he was taken into care, moved from school to school, and eventually fell into the clutches of criminal gangs.

Read more from Sky News:
Singer and TV personality Linda Nolan dies
Father denies murdering daughter during ‘play-fight’

Met Police officers were called to reports of a stabbing on a Route 472 bus at 2.28pm on 7 January on Woolwich Church Street, near its junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene.

Police say Kelyan’s family are being supported by specialist officers as the investigation “remains ongoing”.

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