A SWAN was found to have been shot dead in the River Avon.

Sedge Ghost saw the swan at Hampton Ferry in Evesham, with evidence of a head wound on Sunday January 14 and a second wound was later found to the body of the swan, underneath the wing.

He said: "On Sunday 14th January a young, dead Swan was retrieved from the River avon at Hampton Ferry in Evesham.

"The swan had only recently died and there was evidence of a head wound, a second The carcass was sent for examination and it was found that it had been shot.

"Although still under investigation, initially the two wounds suffered, appear to be from a ball bearing like projectile.

"Anyone with information regarding this despicable act is requested to contact the local police."

Mr Ghost said he reported the matter to DEFRA, who then passed on his concern to the police on Tuesday.

The news comes just days after a pair of swans were shot with an air gun in Stourport-on-Severn.

They were discovered by a member of the public next to a private pond on Tuesday January 9 morning.

RSPCA Inspector Adrian Langley said about that incident: "We would like to remind members of the public that all wild birds, including swans, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to kill, injure or take them without a licence. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine."

The RSPCA received 884 calls about airgun incidents in 2017.