Police in Weymouth are warning that catapults are not toys after a ball bearing fired near Nothe Fort struck a boat.
Dorset Police says PCSOs attended an incident at Nothe Fort after a ball bearing fired from a catapult hit a boat.
No one was injured, but officers warned the incident could have caused serious harm.
Police say a young male has been visited at his home address in connection with the incident, and a further catapult was handed over for disposal.
Enquiries are ongoing.
Officers are reminding parents and guardians to speak to children about the risks of catapults, which can cause serious injury or damage if misused.
Police say using a catapult to cause damage, injury, threats or harm to wildlife could lead to criminal offences including criminal damage, assault or wildlife offences.
