"We tried everything we could, but it wasn’t enough" - swan beaten to death by group of children in "senseless and unprovoked attack"
A swan has died after reportedly being kicked and stamped on by a group children in Portsmouth.
The incident happened over the bank holiday weekend with an eyewitness telling charity Swan Support that they saw children throwing sticks and stones at the animal before kicking and stamping on her at Canoe Lake. The charity, which treats injured swans, took her away for treatment but later confirmed that the swan had died from its injuries.
The incident has been reported to Hampshire & Isle of Constabulary who have been approached for comment.
Details of the shocking incident were shared on social media by Swan Support. The post said: “We were called to a lake in Portsmouth following a deeply upsetting report of deliberate cruelty towards one of the resident swans. Eyewitnesses told us that a group of children had thrown stones and sticks at the swan, before repeatedly kicking and stamping on her.
“The level of force used was clearly intended to cause serious harm. Shockingly, it’s been reported that there was an adult with them who soon disappeared when approached by witnesses and that the children’s parents were sitting across the park at the time.
“We are working closely with Portsmouth Council and Hampshire Police to pursue the matter.”
Although there was initial optimism that the swan may pull through, the charity later provided an update on Tuesday, August 26 that the swan had died.
The post said: “With heavy hearts, we share that she passed away in the early hours of this morning. We are utterly heartbroken. We tried everything we could, but it wasn’t enough - and for that, we are so deeply sorry. You deserved a kinder world. Fly free now, beautiful girl.”
As soon as we have any further information on the incident we will provide an update.