Police appeal for information after swan is shot and killed

Police are investigating after a swan was found dead with a suspected gunshot wound.

Officers believe that the wound was inflicted by a gun, though no further details about the type of firearm used have been given.

The body of the animal was discovered near the River Lune close to Low Road in Lancaster at about 1pm on Tuesday.

Sergeant Dylan Hrynkow, of Lancaster police, said: “This is a very distressing and disturbing incident in which a defenceless animal has been killed.

“The swan has been found with a major neck wound, believed to be caused by a firearm.

“I understand this type of incident can be very upsetting for people and we are carrying out an investigation in order to locate those responsible.

“If you have any information about the offence, or witnessed the attack, please contact us immediately.”

The incident follows a spate of recent attacks on swans, including an incident in March where a swan died after being shot 10 times with an air rifle in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

In February, 12 swans were shot on the banks of Thames in Windsor. Two of the birds were killed in the attack, while the rest were critically injured.

Two people were arrested earlier this year after a swan named George was shot in the head with a crossbow in Pittville Park, Cheltenham.

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Anyone with information on this week’s attack should contact police on 101 quoting crime reference WB1704241.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.