A SWAN found dead at the edge of park lake has been described as a “heartbreaking scene” by RSPCA inspectors.

A male swan is believed to have been killed after metal fences were thrown at the bird and a female swan, which also shattered an entire nest of eggs.

The Northern Echo:

Eggs protected by a pair of swans were destroyed. Picture: RSPCA

A member of the public made the upsetting discovery in Middlesbrough’s Albert Park before the RSPCA were contacted at around 7.45am on Wednesday morning.

RSPCA inspector Krissy Raine said: “I can’t imagine what would possess someone to do such an evil thing.

“It was an absolutely heartbreaking scene. The male seemed to have suffered a broken neck.

“The female was in distress on the water and when I picked up one of the smashed eggs she came over to me and started nuzzling at the remains.

“The strength of the bond between pairs of swans isn’t a myth, as anyone who has seen a separated pair re-united can testify.

“Local people have been keeping an eye on the birds – they’d even put up metal fencing and signs to try to protect them – and are understandably extremely upset.”

The member of the public who discovered the incident called Cleveland Police with the force then contacting the RSPCA.

Inspector Raine added: “I took the swans to a local vet practice where the female is under sedation and on a drip at the moment.

“It seems like this incident must have happened late on [Tuesday night]. I want to hear from anyone who saw anything or knows anything.

“There are potentially some really serious offences here. Swans, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.”

Anyone with information on the incident can contact the RSPCA by calling 0300 123 8018.

Alternatively, contact Cleveland Police’s PC Carla Sheldon via non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 71538.