Which thug did this disgusting killing? (From Free Press Series)

Which thug did this disgusting killing?

THE CWMBRAN community stunned by the killing of a nesting swan has collected £1000 as a reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for the attack.

Devastated residents in Upper Cwmbran found the body of a female swan on the canal near Broadweir Road, last week. The bird had been battered to death with bricks.

Now Mal Salter, a Swan Rescue volunteer from Cwmbran, and the man who reported the horrific killing to police, is appealing for help from the community to beat the thugs.

He said: "I knew the female swan for 13 years, it was disgusting to see how her head was caved in. The whole community is gutted.

"We have had two similar incidents in the last six years, and incidents like this must be stopped.

"The other stoning incident happened three years ago, and involved the same female swan - but she wasn't injured."

"We have had loads of people pledging money for the swans," he added. The male swan is now sitting on the nest.

St Dials councillor Mervyn Reece said: "I feel disgusted by this act. It's left so many people really upset.

"But I think people are afraid to report things they see because possible comebacks. And they think that even if these people are caught, they won't get a suitable punishment. "This is a sad loss to Cwmbran."

If you have any information about this crime, you can call PC Dewar on 01633 642054 or Swan Rescue on 07802 472788.