Police investigate swan believed to have been 'deliberately killed' near Queensbury

West Yorkshire Police are investigating the death of a male swan believed to have been killed deliberately.
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The swan's death was reported by the Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue Hospital, which contacted West Yorkshire Police after it was known to have died at Horton Bank Country Park, near Queensbury, five miles north of Halifax.

The wildlife hospital, which is based in York, said due to the extent of injuries the bird was found on April 19 (yesterday), there is reason to believe the bird may have been deliberately killed.

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A statement on the hospital's social media channel, said: "We regret to report the death of the male swan at Horton Bank Country Park in Queensbury, Bradford.

The male swan is believed to have been deliberately killedThe male swan is believed to have been deliberately killed
The male swan is believed to have been deliberately killed

"Given the circumstances the bird was found in, the extent of his injuries, and the results of an examination by a veterinary surgeon, we have strong reason to believe the bird may have been deliberately killed.

"We're appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious on the morning of Thursday 16th April.

"Our volunteers, having looked after this swan and attended to him and his family on many occasions over the last few years, are naturally devastated by the death of this beautiful giant of a bird in such terrible circumstances.

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A spokesman from the Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue Hospital said its main concern is of the other swan, which is still nesting - and they are happy to help the police investigation if needed.

"The remaining female swan is uninjured, and currently safely nesting out of harms way," the spokesman said.

"Like any swan who loses a mate at this time of year, she is most capable of incubating her eggs and rearing any hatched cygnets alone, but is left naturally vulnerable without the increased protection of her mate.

"We will continue to closely monitor her progress over the coming weeks and months."

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West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating the incident at Bradford and anyone with information is asked to call 101 or use the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting police incident number: 13200188178.

Alternatively, contact Crimestopper anonymously on 0800 555 111