A new threat to the deer in the Royal parks has emerged in the shape of out of control children.

Royal Parks police were forced to step in after they saw a group of youngsters, who appeared to be under eight, running through a herd of frightened deer.

Credit: Don Milton.

The park authorities and police are well used to problems caused by out of control dogs chasing deer, which has resulted in a number of prosecutions.

There have also been concerns about visitors treating Richmond and Bushy parks as petting zoos and feeding what are wild animals. However, rarely are very young children seen as a threat.

A video of the incident in Richmond Park, which took place over the Easter weekend, was posted by Don Milton on social media.

Credit: Don Milton.

It showed that as the police pulled up, one of the laughing youngsters involved in the chase fell to the ground.

A police officer tried to put a stop to the danger by calling on the parents to get control of the children.

Shouting from the roadside, he said: "Who does this little girl belong to, because whoever it is, when these deer get really frightened and start going for that little girl, it will be the parents that are responsible for their injuries.

"And it will be the parents that are responsible for people getting knocked off their bikes when the deer scatter over the road."

Pointing at passing traffic, he added: "And it will be the parents responsible for whatever accidents happen.'

He said: " So control your children and stop them doing this. Now!"

Credit: Don Milton.