POLICE have increased their patrols around a river in Dorchester following reports that swans and cygnets were being 'attacked'.

As previously reported, a gang of youths allegedly attacked a family of swans with stones and a catapult – causing the cygnets to become separated from their mother.

Police say they have been patrolling the area, in uniform and in plain clothes, to try and cath the people responsible.

John Martin, who lives near the River Frome, discovered that three young swans were missing from the river at approximately 6pm on Tuesday evening.

“On Tuesday evening, we discovered three cygnets were missing and went in search of them.

“It soon became apparent that several dog walkers were also looking for them.”

During his search, he was told that a woman had witnessed three youths targeting the family of swans with catapults and stones to separate them.

He added: “We were told that an elderly lady had spotted three youths with catapults attacking the swans and throwing stones to separate them all.

“They then chased two of the cygnets down the weir into another part of the river."

Since the 'shocking' incident, Mr Martin said the swans have since returned to nest and rest at the bottom of their garden.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We have increased our patrols in the area of river walks in Dorchester.

"Earlier this week we received a report that a small group of young people were seen to disturb the cygnets and ducks by throwing stones and using catapults. We have been conducting patrols both in uniform and plain clothes to try and catch the people responsible.

"If anyone has any information, CCTV or pictures that may assist us in identifying the individuals then please contact us and quote 55210095849."

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