Woman 'strangled swan to death in public park after straddling it'

A woman strangled a swan to death in a public park, a witness has claimed.

An RSPCA investigation has been launched after the woman reportedly grabbed the bird, straddled it and then wrung its neck.

The member of the public dialled 999 then reported the crime to the animal welfare charity.

Police officers attended the scene and discovered the adult swan dead on a pathway before taking statements from two witnesses.

The incident happened in Chester Park in Chester-le-Street, County Durham at around 7pm on May 30.

RSPCA official released images of the dead swan in a bid to track down witnesses and apprehend the offender, who is thought to have fled the park.

The swan was killed in Chester Park in Chester-le-Street (Google)

Swans are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it's illegal to kill, injure or take one without a license.

Offenders can face up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

RSPCA inspector Trevor Walker said: "Police were initially called by a member of the public who saw a woman grab the swan, straddle the bird and wring its neck.

"Officers attended the scene where they found the adult swan dead - with a soft tissue injury consistent with being strangled - and spoke to two women in connection with the incident.

"The bird's body was removed by council workers and we were contacted to investigate.

"This sounds like an extremely upsetting incident and this attack has led to the unnecessary, tragic death of a beautiful bird."

RSPCA investigator Trevor Walker described the incident as "extremely upsetting" (RSPCA /SWNS.COM)

Insp Walker wants anyone who was in the park at around 7pm on May 30 to ring the RSPCA's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

In 2017 Gareth Mattson was handed a suspended sentence for fatally shooting three swan with an air rifle in Pembrokeshire.

He was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was told to pay £525 in costs.

The year before David Thompson pleaded guilty to killing two birds and wounding another at Canterbury Magistrates Court after he was caught on camera during a Coastguard helicopter training exercise in April.

He was made to pay £7,500 for beating two swans to death with a shepherd's crook.