RESIDENTS are horrified after the 'brutal killing' of a pair of nesting swans with another left injured.

People living in Pershore claim the trio were shot multiple times by a person with a BB gun.

Concerned resident Sally Cooper-New said the incident occurred on the wetlands near the River Avon over the Coronation Weekend.

Two died and the third swan was severely injured and is currently being treated by Vale Wildlife Hospital.

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The swan's eggs were taken, and the nest was destroyed, with several BB cartridges littering the nest.

Ms Cooper-New said: "The residents of Pershore were horrified to learn of the brutal killing of a pair of nesting swans on the wetlands near the River Avon over the Coronation Weekend.

"The pair had been shot multiple times by a BB gun, the used cartridges littering the nest.

"The eggs had been taken, and the nest destroyed.

"A third swan was severely injured and is being treated by The Vale Wildlife Hospital near Evesham."

Wild swans belong to the Crown and are protected as 'wild birds' by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

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Those found guilty of committing these crimes can expect an unlimited fine, up to six months imprisonment or both.

The act specifies that it is an offence to kill, injure or take a wild bird or intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest or eggs.

Ms Cooper-New added: "Antisocial behaviour has been a growing concern for the residents of Pershore and the surrounding villages for many months.

"An increasing number of incidents involving damage to properties, vehicles, and now wildlife, from youths using mopeds and ball bearing pellet guns.

"One resident had their car shot at while driving out of Pershore past Pershore College."

Cllr Dan Boatright has echoed residents' concerns with anti-social behaviour in the area and said he is entirely behind residents on this issue.

A meeting will be held at Pershore Town Hall on Wednesday, May 17 between 6pm and 8pm where residents can voice their concerns to the Police and Crime Commissioner about anti-social behaviour.

Worcester News has contacted West Mercia Police and the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre and is awaiting a response.