A young girl was airlifted to hospital yesterday (October 24), after she was attacked by a deer in Bushy Park.

Eye witnesses said they saw the family standing very close to the stag, taking pictures. The young girl was gored in the thigh.

London Ambulance were called at 3:18 pm and sent an incident response officer and air ambulance to the scene. Paramedics treated the girl at the scene and she was taken to hospital by ambulance as a priority.

The incident happened near the Hampton Court Road side of the Royal Park.

The Royal Parks have issued a warning about keeping distance following the attack. Bill Swan, Assistant Park Manager, Bushy Park, said: “We’re very sorry to hear that a girl has been gored in the thigh by a stag. We sincerely hope she makes a full and speedy recovery.

“This is a very frightening incident. Eye witnesses reported to us that the family was standing very close to the stag and taking photos, even though there are prominent signs up in the Park telling people not to get too close to the deer.

“This distressing incident is an unfortunate but powerful warning to everyone why it is dangerous to approach stags during the autumn rutting season, and at any time in fact.

“Stags are wild animals and they are especially unpredictable at this time of year and can act defensively if they are aggravated or feel cornered; they are immensely strong and can move very fast to defend themselves even from laying down when resting.

“We have warning signs at key locations across Bushy Park asking people to stay at least 50m away from the deer, people must keep their distance to prevent such incidences occurring.”