Police hunting gunman after swan shot dead in Staffordshire village

The swan was found fatally shot behind the Star Pub in Great Wyrley last week. 

Staffordshire Police's Rural and Wildlife Crime team are appealing for information concerning the swan's shooting.

The team posted on Facebook: "We're appealing for information after a swan was recently found dead, having been killed, in the water behind the Star Pub in Great Wyrley. From our initial investigation, we believe the Swan was killed on either on February 8 or 9 and that an air rifle was used to fatally wound it.

 "It was then found and taken home by a member of public who then rang the Police."

The post added: "If you have any information relating to this incident please do get in touch. You can do so by calling 101, visiting the Staffordshire Police website or emailing the investigating officer directly on 05141@staffordshire.police.uk."

Animal lovers and villagers were shocked at the crime and branded the killers "scumbags".

Di Wilson said: "Scumbags , swans mate for life , and the 2 on that lake have babies every year. Why do humans have to be so cruel, a few weeks ago someone shot and killed the magnificent stag that came all the time to the same land."

Jacqui Holford added: "Someone saw two lads walking down Hazel Lane, Great Wyrley with air rifles either the day of or the day before the incident. Someone must know who they are?"