Swan believed to have been shot dead by air weapon or catapult
The swan was found dead in Poole Park
A swan is believed to have been shot dead in Poole Park.
Police think it could have been done using an air weapon or a catapult.
The bird was found dead near The Ark in the main boating lake on Sunday morning.
A witness reported seeing the swan alive but injured near to the subway to Baiter Park at around 6.30am earlier on the same morning, police said.
Wildlife Crime Officer Pete Raymond said: "I am appealing to anyone who was in Poole Park at the time and may have witnessed the incident to please get in touch.
"If you have any information about who was responsible, please contact Dorset Police."