A man in his 70s was taken to hospital after a gang of teenagers shot him with catapults in the quiet Kent market town of Cranbrook. The attack occurred at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, June 19, on Waterloo Road, a busy high street. The victim was struck in the arm, and a metal ball bearing the size of a 5p piece had to be removed by doctors.
Suspects and Police Appeal
Police believe the suspects are aged between 16 and 18, and five young people are thought to have been involved. After the attack, they fled towards The Hill area, known locally as The Crane. Kent Police have launched an appeal for witnesses and anyone with CCTV footage to come forward.
Catapults are legal in the UK, but they can be treated as an offensive weapon if carried in public without good reason or used to harm people. Superintendent Rob Marsh stated: "While it is not currently illegal to possess one, if an officer suspects a catapult has been used to commit a crime, if appropriate, the person possessing it will be arrested and the weapon, along with any projectiles such as ball bearings, will be seized and destroyed."
Rising Catapult Crime in Kent
Catapult crime has been a persistent issue in Kent, with police recording an average of 14 offences a day linked to catapults in 2025. Other towns, including Royal Tunbridge Wells, have also been affected. A local resident told the BBC she had seen children firing at ducks, dogs, and dog walkers, and had herself been chased with catapults.
A Cranbrook resident wrote on Facebook: "My dad is just so angry and frustrated that this group has been creating problems and damage around Cranbrook for some time, and nothing seems to get done. He will recover from his injuries. He did have to have a metal ball bearing about the size of a 5p piece removed from his arm by the doctors in A&E after it was embedded in his arm."
Police Response
Supt Rob Marsh added: "Kent Police is aware of concerns about the use of catapults to damage property or target wildlife and we are determined to tackle those who are responsible. I would urge anyone with information about the misuse of catapults to report it."
