A pair of swans have been 'brutally' shot and killed with an air gun in what was described as a 'heinous' act in a quiet riverside town.
The male and female were found beside a river by a wildlife rescue team with 'multiple pellets' in both their necks and heads.
Photos of the two birds, which died beside the River Arle in the quiet market town of Alresford, Hants, display the horrific damage caused in the savage act.
Police are now investigating the incident.
Paul Michael Reynolds, manager at the HART Wildlife Rescue animal rescue hospital in Medstead, Hants, explained experts had initially thought avian flu may have caused the swans' deaths.
He said: "We reported yesterday (May 2) about two dead swans being found near the eel house on the River Arle in Alresford.
"The initial concern was that avian influenza could be responsible, sadly it was confirmed yesterday by Swan Support who kindly removed the bodies for testing that the pair of swans had been brutally killed with an air weapon.
"They were a male and female pair. Each swan with multiple pellets in their head and neck.
"We were also called to two other injured birds, a wood pigeon and a mallard all within very close proximity and also on the river footpath.
"Hampshire Constabulary are involved and if you have any evidence or information about these crimes then please call 101 with the reference number: 20220502-1468.
"This is a heinous act which we are sure no one would expect to see in Alresford, a village famous for its wonderful waterfowl!
Those responsible should be held to account."
