Thames swans shot

THREE swans on the Thames have been shot with air guns, having severe wounds.

It was at Windsor that police were alerted to the attack after a member of the public found one of the injured birds, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Critical condition

One swan was shot in the head, and is in a critical condition and though being drip fed, is not expected to live. The other two are expected to make full recoveries after being given antibiotics, so will be released back onto the river.

After being recovered from the water, the swans were taken to Swan Lifeline on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton for treatment, with a spokesman stating it was one of the worst attacks seen for many years.

A police spokesman told that the swans belong to the Crown, and that a number of lines of enquiry are underway to trace the people responsible.