BIRD lovers have been outraged by the slaying of a swan as she sat on her nest.

The bird was attacked with a stick, before being left floating on the lake at James Steel Park, Washington, Wearside.

It sustained bruising to its back and puncture wounds to the chest and underside.

RSPCA officer Michael Winter said: "When I arrived at the scene I was shocked to find whole clumps of feathers, which looked as though they had been torn out, all over the nest.

"I had to fish the body out of the water - it was in a terrible state.

"There was a large stick covered in blood and feathers lying across the nest, which I assume was used to beat the swan."

The RSPCA is now hoping that security camera footage from a nearby warehouse may contain clues. The charity is asking anyone with information to contact them.

A rescue operation was under way last night to try to reach the swan's mate