A SWAN has had to be put down after it was shot by an air rifle while flying.

The bird crash landed into bushes near the old tilery pond at Margrove Park, Boosbeck, Saltburn, in east Cleveland at about 4pm on Saturday.

Due to extensive injuries suffered by the protected species it had to be put down said RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector, John Lawson, who is appealing for information about the shooting.

A dog walker witnessed the swan plummeting to the ground and he kept the wounded protected species in the footwell of his car until the inspector arrived.

“On arrival the swan was very weak, I transferred the swan into my vehicle and headed straight to a veterinary practice,” Mr Lawson said.

"On closer inspection at the veterinary practice the vet noticed a wound on the swan’s underbelly. Due to the shape of the wound an x-ray was taken and it was discovered that the swan had been shot with an air rifle."

“Unfortunately due to injuries sustained from the shot and from hitting the ground the swan had to be euthanised at the veterinary practice.

“The swan was an adult male believed to have originated from the pond at Margrove Park, Boosbeck,” he added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DCI Lawson on 0300-1234999.