A swan has died after being shot in the neck in what has been described as a devastating loss of life.

The female bird was discovered near Weston Parade in Southampton.

Charity Swan Support collected the swan and confirmed the shot to the neck was the cause of death.

Heartbreakingly, she was on a nest incubating eggs at the time, meaning the cygnets due to hatch have also died.

Wendy Hermon, operations manager at the charity, said it was a ‘mindless act of cruelty’.

She said: “Although the male took to the nest to protect the eggs, he would be unable to incubate them and so he has now lost his partner and with her, the hopes of a family to raise and protect this year.

“Sadly, it is why we ask the public to never share the location of a nest on social media.

“More needs to be done to address wildlife crime.

“It is on the increase and the fact that we are now being called out to more incidents such as this than all other call outs is concerning to say the least.”

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Police confirmed the swan was shot with an air rifle and an investigation has been launched in the wake of the incident on Tuesday, April 23.

A spokesperson confirmed Swan Support called them at 10.25am on Thursday about the incident, adding: "If anyone has any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting reference 44240172544.”

Swan Support has attended more than 20 separate, similar incidents since the end of last year – with no arrests made with each case filed.

Wendy added: “Yes, the legislation exists to protect wildlife, but better policing is needed so that offenders are caught and the punishments set out in the legislation can be handed out.

“Only then can we hope to see a significant reduction in wildlife crime.”