The Waterworks Park is home to a large number of ducks and swans.

Police have received a report that a duck was kicked to death in a north Belfast park on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred after disorder during the Waterworks Parkrun.

Waterworks Park is home to a large number of wildlife, including ducks and swans.

An onlooker told the Belfast Telegraph that two young men, unconnected to the parkrun, were in the park while it was taking place and began abusing the runners.

They said that the men shouted verbal abuse and threw a can of beer at one of the runners.

Is it understood that as the race was ending they went to the finish line and kicked an animal to death.

Local SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said he was "disgusted" by the incident.

"Regular park runners were attacked from the same group who were drinking alcohol in the park this morning," he said.

"All parks and open spaces should be areas were everyone can feel safe at all times, the Waterworks Park is a popular park used by many families and hundreds of local people each day and is an amazing asset to north Belfast, including the animals and wildlife that are a huge feature to the park and they need to be protected."

Councillor McCusker said that he would be speaking to the PSNI and Belfast City Council to ask for greater visibility in the park.

Police confirmed they received a report that a duck was kicked to death in the Waterworks area of the Antrim Road.

“We received a report at around 10.20am this morning, that two young men, believed to be intoxicated, were kicking ducks and swans in the park. It is reported that one duck was, shockingly, kicked to death," Inspector Robert McMurran said.

“Police attended the scene and a man, aged 19, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug.

“Our enquiries are continuing and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 722 of 06/07/19.

"Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

Belfast Telegraph