Female swan dies after being shot in North Tyneside

A swan has been put down after it was found to have been shot at least three times in North Tyneside.

The bird, from the Rising Sun Countryside Centre, Benton, was discovered by the RSPCA on Friday.

Police said, due to the severity of its injuries, the bird was put down on Tuesday.

A post-mortem test has found that the bird was shot at least three times by separate air weapons. Police are appealing for witnesses.

The bird was the female of a breeding pair, leaving its mate alone.

Pc Mark Mennim, North Tyneside wildlife officer, said: "We want to make people aware that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will take robust action against anyone we find who responsible for inflicting these injuries.

"The Wildlife and Countryside Act strictly prohibits the killing or taking of any wild birds and the penalties are severe."