Cygnets hatched from killed swans' eggs released

The cygnets hatched from eggs which were rescued after two swans were killed

Five cygnets have been released into the wild after they were hatched from eggs rescued when two swans died.

Eleven eggs were found after the nesting swans were killed by another animal on a canal towpath at Victoria Park in Newport, Shropshire, towards the end of April.

The eggs were taken to Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock, where six of them hatched, but one cygnet died shortly afterwards.

The five survivors have since grown to be "massive cygnets", the centre said, and were recently released back to the wild.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Cuan Wildlife said they were released to a private pool where they will continue to be monitored.

The cygets have "complete freedom" to leave if they wanted to, the post continued, or when they were ready to find partners and their own territories.

Centre workers thanked people for helping to raise funds and awareness, adding: "All of you helped to make this happen and for us to bring a positive story from a sad situation."

The two swans who were killed were initially believed by West Mercia Police to have been shot with an air rifle.

The force later confirmed, after seeking advice from animal experts, they were killed by another animal and no criminal activity was involved.