The swan was too badly hurt to save after the attack

The bird was beaten to death with an iron bar at Goodrington Park in Torbay on Saturday, 28 September, in an attack described by a wildlife group as "sickening".

The money has been offered by local people who were angered by the crime.

The police say a gang of up to 50 youths was seen in the area when the attack happened and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Mate's distress

A vet was called to help the swan after its injuries were discovered, but the bird was too badly hurt to save and had to be put down.

Swans mate for life and members of the Torbay Wildlife Rescue group said her mate has been showing signs of considerable distress.

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

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

A local business has offered to pay for CCTV to protect wildlife in the park after an appeal by Torbay Wildlife Rescue.