'Mr Swan' attacked by dog in Perranporth

"Mr Swan" was attacked by a group of spaniels, onlookers said

The surviving half of a couple of "celebrity" swans has been attacked by dogs, only a week after his mate was savaged and put down.

"Mr and Mrs Swan", described as "big friends of the community", have made national headlines for holding up the traffic as they waddled through the Cornish resort of Perranporth.

However, she was killed last week and now he has been hurt in a new attack.

Witnesses said blood could be seen "all over" the stricken bird.

"Mrs Swan", who was believed to have been nearly 20 years old, was killed last week

She and her cygnets were regularly seen holding up traffic

Witnesses to the latest attack, on Saturday, described three or four springer spaniels pinning the swan down as he tried to make his way down the beach.

He was taken to be treated by the RSPCA.

Thankfully, Mr Swan's wound is said to be superficial and the bird has been returned to his boating lake home.

Annie Mayes, who waited with the swan for help to arrive, said: "Everybody is gutted; they are so upset that this has happened again."

Annie Mayes and her 12-year-old daughter regularly feed the swans

Some bird lovers have taken to Facebook to share their anger. One, Nick Joy, said: "This is a warning to people. It's time something was done before it's a person... a child!"

The owner of the dogs - which are not believed to be the same animals that killed Mrs Swan - is said to be "gutted" and offered to pay for Mr Swan's treatment.

Concerned locals are now calling for dog owners to keep their pets on leads at the lake and on the beach.

Local people say dog walkers in the area should keep their animals on leads