Appeal launched as swans killed in 'cruel attack'

Police are appealing for information after a pair of nesting swans were "unlawfully killed" in Shropshire.

The two swans had been incubating their eggs on a nest at the Newport Canal in Victoria Park, Newport, when they were killed.

Telford and Wrekin Police believes both swans were shot with an air rifle overnight between 30 April and 1 May.

Rural crime officer for West Mercia Police, Graham Donaldson, said the swans had been discovered near their nest with clear visible injuries to their necks.

A spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council said: "We are viewing CCTV of the area at the key times and are appealing for information from anyone that may lead us to who carried out this cruel attack.

"One small consolation to this sad story is that the eggs left behind from the killing of the swans have been taken to an incubator and we hope will have survived."

The swans had been nesting on 11 eggs when they died.

The eggs have been taken to Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Shropshire.

A spokesperson for Cuan said its egg incubator was too small to fit in all 11 eggs and has since launched a fundraiser to "urgently" fund a new larger egg incubator.

Despite setting a £300 goal, the fundraiser has surpassed £2,000.

Commenting on the incident, councillor Thomas Janke said: "These beautiful swans were a cherished part of our local environment, admired by many who walked the canal regularly.

"They'll be dearly missed by everyone who frequents our canal tow path."

He urged anyone with information to contact the appropriate authorities.

The Newport Safer Neighbourhood team are continuing to investigate the killing.

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