YOUTHS armed with air rifles are being hunted after a swan was found shot dead at a remote nature reserve.

The body of the male bird was discovered by a walker with gunshot wounds to the head.

RSPCA officials and Cleveland Police officers have been left sickened by the attack and are appealing for information to catch the thugs.

RSPCA official John Lawson said: "This type of behaviour is shocking, and it will hopefully turn the stomachs of parents out there who do not know what their children are up to.

"The worrying thing is that along with the dead male, local residents believe a female swan may have been injured during the same incident.

"But she seems to have left the area rather quickly and we are not sure if she has survived or not. How anyone could do this is beyond me. It seems these youths are using animals for their own pot-shot fun."

The swan was found at Stillington Forest Park, on the outskirts of Stockton, near one of two ponds that are used by anglers.

Mr Lawson said: "We got a call on Saturday, March 3, from a member of the public who came across the dead swan.

"He said he had watched a group of about four teenagers walking through the village carrying air guns and heading towards the park. They were dressed in combat-style clothing.

"We need anyone with information to contact us so we can stop this happening again."

Nationally, the RSPCA deals with an air rifle attack against animals on a daily basis.

PC Dave Sanders, who deals with wildlife crime, said animals were defenceless creatures and should not be treated in such a way.

He said: "Domestic pets such as cats are regular targets. It is cruel and will not be tolerated by either Cleveland Police or the RSPCA.

"Members of the Stillington community have been left saddened by this attack and are helping us in any way they can."

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 08705-555999 or police on 01642-326326.