Canterbury: RSPCA investigates airgun attack on swan

The RSPCA are investigating after a swan was attacked with an air gun.

An X-ray showed the swan had been shot with eight pellets, which were found in its body, leg and head.

The RSPCA collected the bird on 9 January in Canterbury, by the edge of the River Stour.

RSPCA inspector Deborah Rutherford, who collected the swan, said: "He was spotted by the water's edge not moving, people were approaching and touching him.

"When I picked him up he was unable to stand."

The swan was taken for veterinary treatment and made a swift recovery, and has since been released back into the wild.

Ms Rutherford said: "It's wonderful that he recovered so quickly and was able to be released."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.