Swan beheaded in Chester-le-Street park
- Published
Neighbourhood officers have been patrolling the park
A swan was beheaded in a suspected deliberate attack at a park in Chester-le-Street.
The bird was killed in Riverside Park between last Thursday evening, 19 October, and the early hours of Friday morning.
The RSPCA, external has described the incident as "awful".
Durham Constabulary said CCTV from the area is being checked and appealed for witnesses. Neighbourhood officers are carrying out regular patrols.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "This is an awful incident and we would urge anyone with information about what happened to call the police.
"All wild birds, including swans, their nests and their eggs, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take them except under licence.
"The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine."
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