Police investigating after swan killed on river in Winsford

POLICE have launched an investigation after a swan was shot in he head and killed on the River Weaver at Winsford.

It is believed two men were spotted firing air rifles on the river bank on Monday, August 22 - the day the swan's body was discovered on the water between the Salt Union site and Newbridge pool.

The grim discovery was reported to the RSPCA, who confirmed via x-ray the adult female bird had been shot in the head, apparently by an air rifle.

Now the animal welfare charity and wildlife enthusiasts are urging members of the public to be vigilant against wildlife crime and report any incidents.

Lee Stewart, the manager at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich where the swan was taken, said: “It is extremely sad when we have cases like this brought to us.

"Sadly it is far too common a reason for admission. Why are innocent and defenceless animals shot like this?

“With an ever increasing human population it is inevitable that we will see greater conflict between man and wildlife, but shooting innocent animals for fun is just barbaric and unacceptable.”