Police investigating after swan reportedly shot dead in Swindon
The Wiltshire force say "three young males" are suspected of being involved
Police are investigating after a swan was reportedly shot dead in Swindon.
A member of the public reported hearing a loud bang near to the Coate Coffee building in Coate Water at 7:45pm on Wednesday.
A swan was found dead on the bank with a wound to its neck.
Wiltshire Police believe an air weapon was used.
The force have described the suspects as "three young males", with one wearing all back, another wearing all light blue, and a third in dark coloured clothing.
The trio were reportedly seen running towards the Coate Water roundabout.
PC Harry Murphy of the Rural Crime Team said: "This is an awful thing to do to an animal, and we take incidents like this extremely seriously.
"Intentionally killing or injuring a wild bird is an offence and we will always seek to bring to justice those responsible."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw three young men matching the description and carrying an air rifle, is being asked to contact Wiltshire Police.
People can do so by calling 101, quoting reference 54240107750.