A DUCK was kicked to death in a north Belfast park as a group of runners took part in an weekly event.
Police are appealing for information following the incident at the Waterworks on Saturday morning in which two young drunk men carried out the attack at around 10.20am.
The pair, who were unconnected to the Parkrun, started abusing those involved and hurled bottles at them.
It is understood that as hundreds of runners approached the finishing line, the men started kicking ducks and swans.
Police yesterday confirmed they had arrested a 19-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug.
They appealed for information from anyone who witnessed the "shocking" act of animal cruelty.
The popular council-run park, which contains two children's playgrounds as well as a community garden, has been plagued by anti-social behaviour over the past year.
Councillor Paul McCusker said he was "disgusted" by the weekend attack and planned to speak with the PSNI and Belfast City Council about increased patrols.
"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," he said.
