Donations flood in to urgent appeal to save clutch of eggs after 'cherished' swans found dead

Police are investigating the deaths of the swans and have appealed for any information.

Graham Donaldson, Rural and Business Crime Officer at West Mercia Police said the birds were found near Newport Canal on Thursday with the swans last seen alive at 8pm on Wednesday.

He said the swans were discovered near their nest with “clear visible injuries to their necks”

“At this stage we are unable to ascertain the cause of death and are currently making enquiries in the immediate area,” he said

Along with the dead birds, a clutch of 11 eggs was also found on the nest site.

These were taken to Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock, but the charity's incubator was too small to accommodate the eggs.

The charity immediately launched an appeal to raise £300 needed for a larger incubator, but received more than £2,000 as donations flooded in.

Meanwhile, local Newport councillor Peter Scott said he has spoken with police who have trawled through hours of local CCTV footage.

He said: "So far they have drawn a blank. We have looked at all the CCTV cameras in the areas and not found something that helps."

He said while tests still have to be conducted on the dead birds, it was 'likely' a gun may have been involved.

"We need to know who these people are," he said. "So we are are appealing to the local community that if they know anything and have any information that can help to get in touch."

"Normally I would defend the town  but there has been a rise in anti-social behaviour in the last weeks and months."

He said the 'killing' of the two swans follows an incident that saw more than 20 trees cut down in Newport.

Anybody with information is being urged to contact West Mercia Police directly, the local Safer Neighbourhood Team or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.