An investigation has begun after a swan reportedly had its neck snapped in a vicious attack in Chester-le-Street in Co Durham, England.
Police were called after a member of the public reported seeing two women allegedly attacking the swan.
Shocking photos show the swan’s lifeless body.
The incident is believed to have happened on May 30 in a park.
RSPCA Inspector Trevor Walker told Chronicle Live: “Police were initially called by a member of the public who saw a woman grab the swan, straddle the bird and wring its neck.
“Officers attended the scene where they found the adult swan dead – with a soft tissue injury consistent with being strangled – and spoke to two women in connection with the incident.
“The bird’s body was removed by council workers and we were contacted to investigate.
“This sounds like an extremely upsetting incident and this attack has led to the unnecessary, tragic death of a beautiful bird.
“I’d like to hear from anybody who was in the park at around 7pm on Thursday evening and who may have seen the incident or the women involved.”
Swans are protected by law and anyone harming a swan could be jailed, the RSPCA said.
The RSPCA appealed for witnesses after a reported attack on the bird in Chester-le-Street park"Anyone caught…
Posted by Police Alerts UK & News reports on Tuesday, June 4, 2019
