Swans moved after attacks by children left cygnet dead

Three swans have been moved to a safe location after children throwing stones at the flock left a cygnet dead.

Countryside rangers working for Glasgow City Council (GCC) moved the birds following reports of boys and girls throwing stones at a pond in Springburn park.

Staff felt they had no choice other than moving the birds after a cygnet was found dead and three others went missing, feared dead.

The birds were moved to a safe location where they will be monitored and police have been alerted to the attacks.

A GCC spokesperson said rangers were forced to act, following the "appalling" attacks.

They said: “We would not normally disturb wild birds by moving them, but felt we had no choice on this occasion.

“This type of animal cruelty is shocking and members of the public are asked to report wildlife crimes to the police."

Two adults and one cygnet were moved to an undisclosed location to be monitored after the remaining cygnet was found to be under weight.

Volunteers who monitor the swans at the Springburn park - known as "swan aunties" - assisted in moving the swans to the new safe location.