A goose has died in York after being hit by an arrow in an attack that a senior RSPCA officer has branded as "pure cruelty".

The injured greylag goose was seen by schoolchildren in York at around 8am today as it stood in shallow water of the city's flooded Tower Gardens.

An arrow, some 2ft 6in in length, was protruding from a wound in the rear of the bird.

The alarm was raised at nearby Clifford's Street Fire Station, and firefighters called the RSPCA and went to offer assistance.

RSPCA officers soon arrived on the scene and caught the badly- injured bird, helped by firefighters wearing wetsuits.

Station Officer Malcolm Dunford, at York Fire Station, said it was an unusual task but one the firefighters took very seriously.

"Obviously we assist in the recovery of animals all the time but this was an unusual thing to do."

The goose was then taken to a private vet in Stamford Bridge where, after examinations were made and X-rays taken, the decision was made to destroy the animal.

Paul Stilgoe, Chief Inspector of North Yorkshire RSPCA, said the decision was made due to the nature of the injuries.

"Unfortunately the arrow had hit the small intestine of the animal and the vet decided to put it to sleep," he said.

Mr Stilgoe said he was shocked at the nature of this attack.

"It's a particularly nasty attack - pure cruelty.

"Clearly somebody along the river has taken a pot-shot at this animal and hit it."

Mr Stilgoe is convinced that the bird was injured close to the area where it was found and that someone may recognise the distinctive arrow, with a blue and pink flight, that was used.

"I would appeal for anyone who witnessed or has any information on this attack to contact the RSPCA," he said.

"It is totally illegal to hunt with a bow and arrow in the UK."

Mr Stilgoe can be contacted at the North Yorkshire RSPCA headquarters on 08705 555999.

Updated: 14:35 Friday, February 09, 2001