Police search for youths who shot and killed swan

The swan was found dead on the bank of Coate Water Country Park

Police have appealed for witnesses after a swan died after being shot in the neck.

Wiltshire Police say the incident occurred at around 19:45 BST on Wednesday, when a "loud bang" was heard by a member of the public at Coate Water Country Park in Swindon.

The suspects, who have been described as three young males, used an "air weapon of some sort" to inflict the injuries, the force added.

PC Harry Murphy of the rural crime team said: “This is an awful thing to do to an animal, and we take incidents like this extremely seriously."

PC Murphy added: “Intentionally killing or injuring a wild bird is an offence, and we will always seek to bring to justice those responsible."

One suspect is thought to have been wearing all black, another all in light blue and the third in dark coloured clothing.

The group were seen running off towards Coate Water roundabout shortly after the incident.

“We are appealing for the public’s help for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or seen three young males matching the description potentially carrying an air rifle of some sort, to please get in touch with us," PC Murphy added.