A SWAN was shot at and had its neck snapped in two in what was described by rescuers as the most brutal killing they have ever come across.

Swan Support received a worrying call earlier today (Monday) that a swan was in distress along the River Thames near Blake's Lock.

An animal rescuer was dispatched to the scene and eventually found the animal floating near the entrance to the River Kennett.

But the rescuer was left stunned when he realised the harrowing extent of the poor animal's injuries, which included a broken neck and a bullet wound.

It is believed the swan was attacked by a group of fisherman and Swan Support has urged anyone with information to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 immediately.

Wendy Hermon said: "We had a call from a member of the public who lives on a boat near Blake's Lock in Reading. He said he saw two fishermen near a group of swans.

"He said he thought the fishermen had done something to it so we sent a rescuer out.

"We found that it had been shot and that its neck had been broken in two.

"The witness said the swans went up to the fishermen expecting bread and that one of them must have done something to it."

Sadly, by the time the rescuer found the animal floating in the river, it had already died.

It is the second horrific swan killing to happen in Reading this year after another bird was found decapitated near Scours Lane back in March.

Ms Hermon continued: "I think it is just disgusting.

"It is a brutal attack, it's horrible what they have done.

"We have never seen injuries like this in 25 years. They have snapped the swan's neck in half."

Did you see the swan attack? Email us at news@readingchronicle.co.uk