THREE swans were found dead in Marshfield today after being shot with an air rifle.

Residents of Ty Mawr Lane called Swan Rescue South Wales this morning after finding a male swan, a female swan and a cygnet dead in the reen beside the lane. The swans were taken to the vets to be x-rayed and they found the male swan had died from a single pellet to the head and three other pellets were also found in his body. The female swan died from a single pellet to the head but no pellets were found in the cygnet. It is not known at this time how the cygnet died.

The pellets are believed to have come from an air rifle.

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. If prosecuted for intentionally killing a mute swan you can face up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of £5,000.

Peter Martin, of Swan Rescue, said: "The area has been notorious over the years as we've had a number of incidents extending to the west towards Cardiff.

"The people who do this are cowards and take care not to be seen."

Lisa Hinksman, aged 28, who lives on the lane, said: "What they are doing is pure evil. They maybe getting a kick out of killing something innocent which is twisted.

"My mother was walking her dog yesterday afternoon and they were alive then. There are at least two sets of swan families who live along here.

"There are still more swans in the reen what if something happens again. We need to stop them."