South Somercotes swans killed and eggs stolen

Two swans have been killed and their eggs stolen in what police in Lincolnshire have described as a "shocking" crime.

Wildlife officer Det Con Aaron Flint said the discovery was made by a member of the public at South Somercotes, near Louth, on Tuesday.

He said the swans were found in their nest covered in blood, with seven eggs reported as missing.

Lincolnshire Police is appealing for witnesses to get in touch.

"It's just shocking," Det Con Flint said.

"These two swans - who may have been together for many years - had built their nest and the eggs should have been hatching very soon.