A RAY of hope has appeared for the swans whose eggs were destroyed by "mindless" thugs.

Five eggs were destroyed in the attack on Friday, but one survived and hatched at some point over the weekend.

The new family has remained in Gheluvelt Park, where the attack happened.

The decision not to move the birds was made by both the RSPCA and Swan Rescue, a Worcestershire charity which helps the animals.

Jan Harrigan, founder of Swan Rescue, based in Wychbold, said the parents were already distressed and moving them would cause them even more stress.

But the cygnet will have its work cut out for it to survive.

Although the same cob and pen hatched a cygnet there last year, Gheluvelt Park is not a safe spot to rear young because the birds fly into people's gardens and become trapped.

"I would be quite happy if they did not hatch there," said Mrs Harrigan.

She added there was an added risk for the swans because the park was populated by people and dogs, which, she said, sometimes attacked them.

A further danger lies in the nearby River Severn which often proves too strong for the cygnets.

"They are only little and often they need to be rescued and end up being looked after by us," said Mrs Harrigan.

Mrs Harrigan condemned the attack on Friday night.

Ashamed

"I hope the people responsible feel really ashamed of themselves," she said.

Residents have blamed the attack on teenagers who had been spotted drinking in the park that afternoon and during the evening.

One said the attack must have happened after 9pm on Friday, because she had been out to check on the swans at that time after becoming concerned about the gang of youths.

"It's just mindless," said the resident who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation.