Swans and cygnets shot dead

Found on banks of Leeds Liverpool canal, between Southport and Burscough

POLICE are appealing for information after four cygnets and a coote were found dead in the Leeds Liverpool canal earlier this month.

The birds were found on the 2^nd of August by a barge owner in the canal between Scarisbrick marina and the Ship Inn public house.

Since the initial reports, a further call has been received reporting the discovery of a dead swan on the same stretch of the water.

It is believed that the birds had been shot and police are appealing for information regarding the incident.

Mark Thomas, Force Wildlife Crime officer said, "We believe these birds were shot at some point between the 2^nd and the 12th of August so I would appeal to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity along the canal area to come forward.

"The local community and house boat owners are outraged by this and we are keen to trace the people responsible for this mindless crime.”

Information can be passed to police by calling 101.

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