Man shoved into canal after confronting girl who kicked a swan

A man was shoved into a canal after confronting a girl who kicked a swan in Limehouse, East London, on Friday.

The incident was captured on camera by a passerby who can be heard saying "She's kicking the swan!" as a group of young people gather around two swans before a woman sticks her leg down to kick one of them. It is believed that the swans were mating.

Watch the shocking moment the swan is kicked below: 

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The group are then approached by an older man, who appears to be talking loudly at them, although his exact words can't be heard.

It's at this point that the older man is approached by a number of young men, who appear to argue with him.

A different young man then rushes up to the person who tried to intervene and pushes him into the canal, prompting the group to scramble as the pusher shouts: "Have that!"

Superintendent Andy Cox of the Metropolitan Police said of the footage: "Awful viewing. Animal cruelty is an indicator of many other vile behaviors and a tendency towards other forms of violence.

"The assault [and] anti-social behavior needs our action. Help us by letting us know who these offenders are via 101 or confidentially via Crimestoppers."

However, Twitter users suggested that all was not as it seemed in the video and that the girl was actually trying to help the swan - potentially mistaking the two birds mating for fighting.

One wrote: "To me it looks like the kids was helping a Swan and the man came shouting hes mouth off tbh [sic]."

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Another agreed, writing: "What are we seeing here? Girl kicks swan to stop it attacking other swan, man then pokes girl with pole to stop her attacking swan? Can humans just not keep their nose out of nature? I feel that would probably be best."

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But the majority of viewers of the footage were of the opinion that it was a stark example of animal cruelty.

One wrote: "There [sic] not mating they are being territorial, swans naturally are!

"The girl kicking out needs time in Holloway, the guy who got pushed in shouldn't of got involved but didn't deserve to get pushed in, the guy who pushed him in should get banged up for sure, poss attempted murder!"

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A second added: "So many parents have failed in the most basic of tasks, which is bringing up a decent human being."

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The RSPCA tweeted: "If anyone has further information on these individuals, please contact us on 0300 1234 999. Thank you!"

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Anyone with information about the incident should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.