Duck killed after reports of birds attacked with sticks in country park

A duck has been killed at Hardwick Country Park

Durham Constabulary were called to Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, shortly before 6pm last night after members of the public reported a group of men attacking ducks with sticks near to the visitor centre.

One man was arrested at the scene and a further two were arrested nearby following a brief search.

Officers discovered one dead mallard and a second injured bird, which was taken to vets and is hoped to make a recovery.

Three men, one aged 32 and the others both aged 26, were last night charged with killing a wild bird and a second offence of breaching Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Gharib Sarkhel, 32, of North Road, Darlington; Goran Mohammed Ali, 26, of no fixed abode, and Kasim Mohammed, 26, also of no fixed abode, will appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on May 28.

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