The protected bird was injured by a suspected air rifle pellet at the Yardley Wood park

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Police have launched an investigation after a swan was fatally injured in a suspected air rifle attack. The protected animal was shot and had to be put down.

The bird was hurt by what police say is a suspected air rifle pellet. It took place at Trittiford Mill Park, Yardley Wood on Saturday, October 22.

Despite the best efforts of the RSPCA, the swan had to be put down. Sadly, officers said this is not the first time a swan has been injured at the same park.

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Billesley Police said it was now investigating the incident as it appealed for any witnesses, or anyone with information, to get in touch.

The force said: "On the 22/10/22 in Trittiford Mill Park, a swan was sadly injured by what is suspected to be an air rifle pellet. Despite RSPCA’s best efforts, the swan had to be put down.

"This is not the first occasion where such an incident has happened in the park… This incident is now being investigated. If anyone has any information in relation to the matter, please contact billesley@westmidlands.police.uk."

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