Swan killed with an airgun in Telford pool

A swan has been killed and another injured after being shot at a pool in Telford. The male and female birds, which had been together for five years, were shot in Trench Pool, Wellington.

Eight eggs are also missing from their nest.

The male was retrieved by wildlife experts on Thursday but was already dead.

The female, which was injured in the shooting, had to be rescued from the water by firefighters yesterday.

Fire crews from Telford and Shrewsbury and officers from the RSPCA launched a boat to rescue the bird.

It was then taken to Cuan House Wildlife Rescue Centre in Much Wenlock for medical treatment.

Megan Morris-Jones, owner of the rescue centre, said that she and a colleague had retrieved the body of the male on Thursday night and confirmed it had been shot.

She said that they had taken the female back to the centre for a vet to examine the bird.

"Last year there was a similar shooting in Stirchley. A male swan was killed leaving his mate of 10 years and five cygnets."

She added: "He had been shot on three separate occasions."

It is believed the birds were shot with an airgun.

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or contact Telford police on 101.