Swans not killed with air rifle, police say

Police launched an investigation following the discovery of the dead swans in Newport

Two swans found dead by a canal towpath were not killed with an air rifle as was originally believed, police said.

Instead, West Mercia Police said it appeared they were killed by another animal.

The birds were found in Victoria Park, Newport, Shropshire, at the start of May.

Eleven eggs left behind by the nesting birds are now in the care of Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock and have begun to hatch.

Last week the force described the attack on the two swans as an "unlawful killing" and said: "We believe both swans were shot with an air rifle sometime in the night over 30 April to 1 May."

But on Friday a spokesperson said: "Following further enquiries and advice from animal experts, we can confirm that the swans were killed by another animal and there is no criminal activity involved."

After an emergency appeal, Cuan Wildlife Rescue was able to buy a large incubator and said it hoped all 11 eggs would hatch.