Have swans been stolen?

28 May 2010, 12:43 | Updated: 28 May 2010, 12:47

Gloucestershire Police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of several swans from ponds by the River Severn at Apperley.

It follows concerns from a local who called police to report two occasions this month where men had been using large fishing nets in the area and that there had been a noticeable drop in the number of both swans and ducks.

PC Phil Groom said;

"Local people have expressed concerns about the drop in the number of swans and the suspicious activity of two men in the area. Swans are a protected species and as such it is a criminal offence to interfere with them. Therefore we would like to encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area to contact us."

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity in the area or who has any information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 172 May 27. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.