Wildlife lovers have been left distraught and angry after ballbearing-wielding children killed a Canada goose and injured its partner at a beauty spot near Farnham.

The geese, targeted sometime last Tuesday (November 26) in the senseless incident at Badshot Lea Pond, were regular annual visitors to the site.

Nick Macfarlane, the Farnham Park Ranger who is also responsible for the pond, said it was likely a ball bearing shot was used in the attack.

He said: “The geese were quite a local celebrity couple and were seen as part of the community, so it seems extra sad.

“The police and RSPCA had been informed by the time I was told,” he added, with a group of children being seen in the vicinity at the time of the attack.

Mr Macfarlane added: “I then called round local wildlife charities to see if they could look after the injured bird and Molly from Swan Lifeline was willing to drive an hour to collect it, even though it was a goose.

“However, it seems that the bird was only lightly injured and probably flew off on its own accord, so I was able to stand Molly down.”

Nick said he and Waverley Borough Council were taking the crime very seriously and would be working with the police to investigate.

Cllr Chris Jackman, who represents Badshot Lea on Farnham Town Council, said: “Behaviour like this is unacceptable and has no place in our village.

“The Badshot Lea Bloomers and others go to great lengths to encourage and nurture wildlife in our village, and work with the Waverley ranger to make the pond a lovely place for everybody to visit.

“I urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Surrey Police.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101.