A TWO- DAY- OLD cygnet has been found killed at the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Bettws following reports of two boys throwing stones.

Gwent Police were called to the canal on Saturday, May 2, where a two-day-old cygnet was found dead in the water.

A cob, pen and her three newborn cygnets in the area are thought to be unharmed.

Members of Swan Rescue South Wales were called at around 4.30pm to Bettws Lane where a witness is thought to have seen two teenagers throwing stones at the swans.

Ellen Kershaw, of Swan Rescue South Wales, said: “It is absolutely disgusting. The cygnet was two days old there was nothing of him, the body has been taken to the vets for X-rays to determine what was the cause of death.

“A man witnessed the incident and saw them throwing stones, he said the two boys looked about 15 years old. There are no stones along the canal they must have been prepared to do it.”

She added: “The male swan was extremely angry, he was pacing up and down the canal. His wings were up, he would have attacked anything that come in his path on the water.”

Swans are protected by the Crown and have protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which make it an offence to intentionally injure, take or kill a wild swan.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman, said: “Officers were called to Bettws Canal at approx 4.30pm on May 2 following reports of two boys harming a nest of cygnets. On arrival officers found one of the cygnets dead.

“They are investigating the incident.”

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 324 02/05/14.”