'We face a losing battle against wildlife crime'

Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre took in an injured mute swan earlier this week

A wildlife rescue centre said it is seeing "more and more" animals deliberately injured by people.

Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, in Beckford, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, shared on Facebook that it had taken in a juvenile mute swan which had been shot with pellets.

Although the bird was treated, its injuries were too severe so staff took the "difficult decision" to have it put down.

The centre has encouraged members of the public to report any cases of wildlife crime in a bid to stop similar incidents.

The bird, which was found in Evesham, Worcestershire, had multiple pellets lodged inside its head, neck and left leg.

The swan had been shot with pellets

In a statement, a spokesperson from the centre said: "In wildlife rescue we see lots of injuries caused by humans.

"Thankfully the majority are accidental, but when we see intentional injuries to helpless, innocent wildlife, it makes you feel like you're really fighting a losing battle.

"Wildlife has enough to contend with, without having to fear being brutally attacked by senseless, cold-hearted people."

They added the incident had been reported to the police.