Shocked children burst into tears when a pickup truck allegedly intentionally ran over a swan and then the passengers laughed about it.

Blood was left smeared on the road in Westham after the young swan was run over on Saturday, October 5. The RSPCA has now launched an investigation into the alleged offence.

Witnesses saw a brown Toyota or Mitsubishi pickup stop next to the pond on the High Street at 12.45pm on Saturday afternoon, as a large cygnet was in the road.

The driver sounded his horn at least twice but when the swan didn't move, the car appeared to deliberately drive over the cygnet - killing it.

Those in the car then apparently laughed loudly immediately after killing the juvenile swan.

RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley said: “Local people have been sickened by the incident. This happened in full view of several families feeding the ducks - children were left in tears and there is still blood on the road where it happened today.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information regarding this incident to call me immediately on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The occupants of the vehicle are described as between 50-60yrs old, white, male and wearing checked shirts. The driver was wearing a flat cap.

Historically the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans and killing one could lead to a charge of treason.

It still retains the right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water, but The Queen only exercises her ownership on certain stretches of the Thames and its surrounding tributaries.

But under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to kill, injure or harm a wild bird and the penalty for killing or injuring a swan carries a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.

To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (texts costs £3 +one standard network rate message.