TWO swans, who were both lovers and parents, were found dead in Salisbury this weekend.

WARNING: Graphic picture below.

On Sunday, two swans were found dead in the hatch pool along the Town Path, with marks looking like shot wounds to the neck.

Both swans, one male and one female, were fished out of the water by Marilyn Karkis of Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital and chairman of the Watermeadows Trust, Graham Jagger.

Ms Karkis said the incident was a “wildlife crime” and described the killing of two swans as “out of the ordinary”, adding: “I can confirm two swans were shot, there are clearly wounds to the head and neck area in each one.

“It is so cruel, I don’t understand how anyone can stoop so low.”

Swindon Advertiser:

Jan Fitzjohn of the Watermeadows Trust, said: "Loads of people are so upset, they were such beautiful swans.

"We do not know what shot them, but whatever it was it looked intentional as it was such an accurate shot, both in the neck."

The two swans had been a pair since 2017 and together had four cygnets in the Harnham area.

The incident was reported to Wiltshire Police who initially said it was not a police matter, but are now preparing a report.