Swan left bleeding from the neck after being shot with air gun in Greenwich

A swan was shot in the neck with an air gun in south east London.

Greenwich Police launched an investigation after the swan was found bleeding in Southmere Park on Wednesday.

Pictures posted on Twitter show the bird's feather's stained with blood.

Killing or injuring a swan is classed as criminal damage, and officers have asked with anyone with information to come forward.

The bird was spotted on the banks of a park lake (@MPSGreenwich )

A Greenwich Police spokesman said: "A swan was found suffering an air pellet injuries at Southmere Lake 19/08/20.

A swan was found suffering an air pellet injuries at Southmere Lake 19/08/20. All wild birds are protected from killing/injury/taking & police are appealing for information to identify the person responsible. Crime ref 3911330/20. Contact 101 @MPSBexley @Swan_Sanctuary @Se28Swan pic.twitter.com/YPcnDDmn2i

— Greenwich MPS (@MPSGreenwich)

August 20, 2020

"All wild birds are protected from killing/injury/taking & police are appealing for information to identify the person responsible."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting crime reference number 3911330/20.