A TEMPERAMENTAL swan - nicknamed Psycho because of his fierce temper - was left for dead after being beaten by barbaric thugs.

The attack, at Longton Brickcroft nature reserve, was the latest in a series of brutal bird batterings in the South Ribble area.

Psycho, named in honour of his less than friendly nature, had to spend six weeks away from the lake to recover from the attack, in which he lost an eye and suffered a broken leg. Despite his impressive recovery from the injury, the attack is set to have a knock on effect, as ranger Richard Parkinson explained.

He said: "Because of the injury, Psycho was away at the time when swans mate. It only happens once a year so their will be no cygnets on the lake this year.

"We couldn't believe his injuries when we saw them. Someone has come to the lake purposely to start throwing stones at him.

"Swans aren't normally that shy, but Psycho is now moving into the centre of the water when there are people about." Longton Brickcroft is one of a number of areas which has been targeted by the thugs. Rangers have also found dead and injured birds at Shruggs Wood, Leyland and at a site in Farington.

Richard added: "It is very disturbing to find birds in this state. There is obviously no motive to the attacks and some people must be very sick to do it.

"These attacks are being carried out by a very small minority and it is very upsetting for the people who find them."

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