POLICE are hunting hooligans who killed an unborn swan after attacking its nest with a rubbish bin and sticks.

The unhatched cygnet was found lying in its smashed egg in Gheluvelt Park.

Horrified visitors looked on in dismay as the cygnet's mother continued to sit on her battered nest, inches from the body.

"It looks like they've chucked the bin at the nest and then gone in with branches which they've snapped off trees nearby," said Worcestershire RSPCA officer Gwyneth David.

She said she was saddened that swans were regular victims of hooligans.

"They're fragile animals and yet they seem to be a focal point for abuse - sometimes they're even shot at. I don't understand it."

Swans are the property of the Queen and anyone caught stealing or killing one would be prosecuted under the Theft Act 1968.

Local residents complained that the attack was the latest problem caused by alcohol-fuelled youngsters who gather in the park at night.

"Sometimes you'll get groups of 30 or 40 teenagers hanging around drinking," said Brian Martin, of Lavender Road, after the swans were found on Saturday morning.

"There were no end of bottles and cans just left all over the place.

"They burn benches, throw seats into the pond, kick the ducks. You name it and they do it.

"Every year the swans get attacked and it's always at hatching time. There isn't very much you can do because mainly it's down to the people who use the park.

"The council put a fence around their nest a few years ago, to keep people away. But it didn't stop them.

It would a big help if the police would enforce the alcohol laws."

Insp John Beddows, of Worcester police, said all wildlife issues were taken very seriously.

"Officers have been working with the RSPCA making enquiries during the weekend and a number of possible offenders are being investigated."

He said the police licensing officer regularly reminded outlets not to sell alcohol to under-age people.

And he added that officers always confiscated alcohol which they suspected belonged to youngsters.

Sonia Heath, of Barbourne Lane, said the pair of swans were an attraction for the park.

"They're just two docile swans. The majority of people love them. They come out in all weathers to feed them and check on them and generally try to keep an eye on them as much as they can."