A Coate Water swan has been shot and killed in an act described by police as ‘awful’.

At around 7.45pm on Wednesday, September 11 a loud bang was heard by a member of the public near the Coate Coffee building.

A swan was then found dead immediately afterwards on the bank with a wound to its neck. Police think that an air weapon of some kind was used.

Three suspects seen running off towards the Coate Water roundabout are described as young males, with one wearing all black, a second all in light blue, and a third in dark clothing.

PC Harry Murphy of the Rural Crime Team said: “This is an awful thing to do to an animal, and we take incidents like this extremely seriously.

“Intentionally killing or injuring a wild bird is an offence and we will always seek to bring to justice those responsible.  

“We are appealing for the public’s help for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or seen three young males matching the description potentially carrying an air rifle of some sort, to please get in touch with us.

“If you can help, please contact us through our website or on 101 quoting reference 54240107750.”