WARNING: The picture gallery includes the graphic image of the dead swan

THERE are fears an outbreak of bird flu is continuing to spread throughout Worcestershire, after a dead swan was found in Grimley.

Charles Smith said he found the remains of a dead bird, that had had its breasts cleaned out, on a walk towards Camp Lane on Friday morning.

The Worcester News has previously reported on the county outbreak of Bird Flu, which is a type of influenza deadly to birds.

Mr Smith, of Crown East, said: "We first saw a quantity of white feathers then the remains of a swan.

"Did wonder if it was a casualty of the bird flu. A lot of birds on those lakes.

"I have tried to report this."

The public are warned not to handle any sick or dead waterbirds, as Bird Flu in very rare cases can affect humans.

Worcester City Council has also put signs up to warn dog walkers about the outbreak.

The signs say: "Dog walkers,

"Due to Avian flu outbreak, dogs must be kept on their leads until further notice.

"Please also keep your dogs away from the river bank area.

"Thank you for your understanding in the matter."

Earlier this week we reported on Ben Wakefield's find of corpses in Diglis basin, describing it as a ‘swan graveyard.’

Marilyn McCarthy, from The Swan Food Project, said: “Five bodies were collected over the weekend for testing.

"There were six bodies, or the remains of them, near Diglis Island. Another was reported up river over the weekend. A number of swans are very sick, others are becoming sick.

“It is very sad to witness, but there is no treatment for them. If avian influenza is confirmed, and in view of the rate of infection in only one week, we can expect more deaths.”

And seven swans have been found dead by The Swan Food Project in Worcester.

The BBC has also reported a swan rescue centre near Droitwich has shut after two swans it treated from Evesham passed the virus on to others.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which is responsible for the removal of dead birds, has previously been asked to comment.

Anyone can report clusters of dead swans to Defra’s hotline on 03459 33 55 77.