THIS is the moment a girl kicks a pair of mating swans before one of her pals shoves an onlooker into the canal.
Shocking footage filmed in Limehouse, East London on Friday shows a gang of youngsters gather around a pair of swans before one girl sticks her leg out, appearing to kick the birds.
An adult man in a blue top then approaches the group, talking animatedly although no sound can be heard.
Several young lads rush over, appearing to argue with the older man.
Then another youngster, wearing a pair of black shorts and sliders, rushes up behind the man, shoving him into the canal.
The group then scramble, and the pusher can be heard shouting: “Have that!”
Several members of the group appear to argue with the now soaked man, as he stands in the waist high water, with one girl – who appears to be walking around with her skirt unzipped – forcibly pulled away by the group after exchanging words with the man.
Superintendent Andy Cox of the Metropolitan Police said: “Awful viewing. Animal cruelty is an indicator of many other vile behaviours and a tendency towards other forms of violence.
“The assault [and] anti social behaviour needs our action. Help us by letting us know who these offenders are via 101 or confidentially via crimestoppers.”
And outraged Twitter users branded the group: “Vile cowards and bullies of the highest order.”
Another person wrote: “Thought swans were protected? Even if not still shocking behaviour. Hope they are identified and caught. Scum bags.”
However, some suggested the girl was mistakenly trying to separate the swans, thinking one was attacking the other.
Another person added: “These individuals were trying to stop one swan from attacking another. They were not attacking the swan!”
And the RSPCA tweeted: “If anyone has further information on these individuals, please contact us on 0300 1234 999.”
Anyone with information can also contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
