A 'CALLOUS' person to believed to have shot dead a swan in a village near Worcester.

Wychbold Swan Rescue was called to the scene after a swan was seen being shot at in Callow End, near Lower Ferry Lane.

Upon arrival at the scene, volunteer John Stewart found that it was too late and the bird had died.

“When I got there the animal was already dead,” he said.

“Normally we would X-ray it to confirm but there wasn’t much doubt about what had happened.

“You could see an entry and exit wound that was big enough to fit two fingers in, we’re not talking about an air pellet.

“It is terrible when you turn up and there’s a dead bird and you can’t help it.”

Mr Stewart found the bird on Wednesday, March 22 and reported it to the police.

He explained that it is not the first time they have been called to this sort of incident.

“All of us at Wychbold Swan Rescue are angry and alarmed that someone could do this, a callous person,” Mr Stewart added.

“I just don’t understand where they get off.

“Why someone would want to do it, I just don’t know. Why you would want to shoot something out of the sky?

“It’s not the first time and I don’t suppose it will be the last.”

The bird was dead by the time John Stewart from Wychbold Swan Rescue arrived (Image: Wychbold Swan Rescue)

Mr Stewart explained that on a previous occasion he found a bird that had been shot in Stoke Prior, near Droitwich.

After being X-rayed by a local vet it was found the bird had also been caught by a fishing hook.

Fortunately, on that occasion, the bird could be saved.

However, due to the Avian Influenza outbreak, work for groups such as Wychbold Swan Rescue has become much harder.

Mr Stewart said: “The swan has been sent to the incinerators because of the bird flu, that is also a major problem for us at the moment.

“It is so difficult due to the rules put in place by DEFRA.”

If you sport a water bird in trouble, you can call Wychbold Swan Rescue on 07867672758.

West Mercia Police has been contacted for further information.