Concerns raised after two birds, one confirmed as being shot, found dead in ponds opposite Barnby Road Academy, Newark

Concerns have been raised after two birds, one confirmed as being shot, were found dead in a pond.

Landowner Roy Fletcher found the birds on Sunday evening at the ponds opposite Barnby Road Academy, which are accessed from the Sustrans track linking London Road, Balderton, with Barnby Road.

A mallard had been shot in the head, while a Canada goose died of unknown injuries.

Mr Fletcher posted a picture of the birds on Facebook, urging the culprits to “leave us alone.”

The attack follows similar incidents involving youths and shootings in the area last week.

Residents reported seeing two youths threatening to fire around the London Road pond area days before the birds were found.

“I rang up the police because I caught them shooting and they cleared off on push bikes,” Mr Fletcher said.