Police are appealing for witnesses

It was attacked at Goodrington Park in Paignton on Saturday night.

A vet was called but the swan was too badly injured to save and had to be put down.

The incident, which is being investigated by police, is the latest in a series of attacks on the birds at the park.

You cannot get much worse than this Bob Askew, Torbay Wildlife Rescue

Swans mate for life and Torbay Wildlife Rescue say her mate has been showing signs of considerable distress.

Spokesman Bob Askew: "It is really sickening - even our vet felt sick when he saw the swan.

"It is dreadful. You cannot get much worse than this."

The pair had four cygnets, but they are likely to survive as they are old enough to feed themselves.

Local people reported a gang of up to 50 youths in the park, drinking and being rowdy.

Torbay Wildlife Rescue want to install closed circuit television to protect the swans, and are looking for sponsorship from local businesses.