POLICE have launched an investigation after a swan was shot in he head and killed on the River Weaver at Winsford.

It is believed two men were spotted firing air rifles on the river bank on Monday, August 22 - the day the swan's body was discovered on the water between the Salt Union site and Newbridge pool.

The grim discovery was reported to the RSPCA, who confirmed via x-ray the adult female bird had been shot in the head, apparently by an air rifle.

Now the animal welfare charity and wildlife enthusiasts are urging members of the public to be vigilant against wildlife crime and report any incidents.

Lee Stewart, the manager at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich where the swan was taken, said: “It is extremely sad when we have cases like this brought to us.

"Sadly it is far too common a reason for admission. Why are innocent and defenceless animals shot like this?

“With an ever increasing human population it is inevitable that we will see greater conflict between man and wildlife, but shooting innocent animals for fun is just barbaric and unacceptable.”

RSPCA staff have thanked several members of the public for highlighting the senseless killing, including wildlife enthusiasts Tanya Pickering, her daughter Eloise and Chalene Gibson.

Tanya said: “We could see it was a gunshot wound. It is awful and there have been reports of a Canada goose being shot on the Weaver at Northwich as well in recent days.”

Chalene said: “I know this swan was fit and well on the Sunday before and then to hear that she had been shot is terrible.

"It raises concerns about the safety of other swans in that area of the river if there are people like this roaming about using them as target practice.”

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team is investigating the incident.

Julia Griffiths, chairman of Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association, said: “It saddens me that we continue to see swans, geese, ducks and birds in Cheshire being persecuted for simply existing.

“We have an excellent rural crime team, but it needs the support of the community to report crimes or provide intelligence.”

Anyone with any information about the shooting can report it by ringing Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 1348952.

The RSPCA would also urge anyone to report such incidents to our animal cruelty line by ringing 0300 1234 999.

All wild birds, including swans, 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.

For more information on what to do if you find an injured wild animal, visit the RSPCA website.