Shocking pictures of swan shot with crossbow

POLICE have released shocking pictures of the swan shot with a crossbow and an airgun earlier this week.
They show how the bird was twice shot through the neck with the crossbow.
Incredibly, the swan survived – and is expected to live following emergency surgery at the Village Vets, Woolston, where he was taken by the RSPCA.
Police are still appealing for help from the public in a bid to track down the cruel offenders who carried out the attack.
The badly injured bird was found by a member of the public on the Sankey-St Helens Canal between Fiddlers Ferry and Widnes yesterday, around 4pm on Wednesday.
It was in a highly distressed state, with two crossbow bolts in his neck and had also been shot several times with an airgun.
PC Natalie Ford of Warrington West Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: “By some miracle the swan was still alive and was rescued by the RSPCA.
“We are urgently appealing for assistance from members of the public in Warrington and Halton to identify the offenders responsible.
“Anyone with any information should contact Cheshire Police on 101.” Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”
Police patrols have been increased in the area as part of the investigation.
Pictured: Left: The crossbow bolts after they had been removed from the swan. Right: The bolts still embedded in the swan prior to surgery.