A SWAN has been killed and a second was injured after being shot with a bow and arrow at a public lake in Dorset.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident, which happened this morning at a popular family park.

Dorset Police said they received a report at 8.47am on Monday September 21 that a swan had been shot by an arrow near to the boating lake in Poole Park.

The swan was taken to a local vets for treatment, but sadly died a short time later.

Officers later received another report that a second second swan had been injured by an arrow in the same location. Officers attended to carry out enquiries at the scene and the swan is receiving treatment for its injuries.

Three arrows have been recovered from the nearby area.

Police Constable Andrea Grant, of Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in Poole Park and may have witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

“I would also urge residents to check their home CCTV systems for anyone seen carrying a bow and arrow in the local area. “If you have any information about who was responsible, please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200142189.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

The swan was taken to a local vets for treatment, but died a short time later.

Shortly afterwards officers received reports that a second swan had been injured by an arrow. It is being treated fior its injuries.

Officers attended to carry out enquiries at the scene. Three arrows have been recovered from the nearby area.

Police Constable Andrea Grant, of Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in Poole Park and may have witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

“I would also urge residents to check their home CCTV systems for anyone seen carrying a bow and arrow in the local area.

“If you have any information about who was responsible, please contact Dorset Police.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200142189, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.