Officers say cruelty against animals will not be accepted after a young swan, called a cygnet, was shot in Blackpool.

Police were called to The Village Hotel golf course in Blackpool and found the animal with a puncture wound to the neck on Friday, October 11.

An x-ray confirmed it had been shot, likely with an air rifle.

An investigation is underway to identify those involved.

Swans are protected species and killing them is a criminal offence and could result in a fine or even a prison sentence.

A police spokesperson said: “Fylde rural task force has today attended The Village Hotel Golf Course in Blackpool after a report of a deceased cygnet swan with a puncture wound to the neck.

"The team had the cygnet X-rayed which confirmed it had sadly been shot, likely to have been with an air rifle. It is believed this incident happened overnight.

“Swans are protected species and this is a criminal offence. Actions like this are extremely cruel and will not be tolerated. The investigation to identify those involved is ongoing.

“If anyone has any information relating to this incident, or similar incidents, please contact us at FyldeRTF@lancashire.police.uk.”