A swan has died after a van ploughed into it without stopping.

The bird was walking along Wartling Road in Wartling, near Pevensey, when it was hit on Wednesday morning, causing it to suffer "horrendous injuries".

Witnesses said the van hit the swan without hesitating, braking or trying to avoid it.

The driver did not stop to see whether the swan was injured, alive or dead.

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East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service said when the rescue team arrived at the scene, the swan was dead at the side of the road with severe injuries.

The incident has since been reported to Sussex Police.

A spokesman for the rescue charity said: "Not all road casualties are avoidable or the driver's fault. Although slowing down does generally help reduce casualties it's not all about speed.

"It's also about being aware and cautious when driving on different types of roads and when visibility is limited either by weather or by vegetation or embankments. Being cautious and prepared for a casualty to rush out is also important.

"If you hit a wildlife casualty please stop or return to check to see if it is injured. Stop if there is somewhere safe to do so and you do not put yourself or others at risk.

"Consider whether it is safe to drive past slowly with your hazard lights on to check. If it is unsafe to stop please call your local wildlife rescue to see if they can help.

"If on a dangerous road and the casualty is a hazard to other motorists, please call the police."

The charity's rescue centre in Whitesmith, near Lewes, is currently running at full capacity.

The centre relies on donations to keep going.

Founder Trevor Weeks MBE said the team is currently dealing with road casualties every day.

He said: "Our wildlife, our staff and volunteers are all feeling it at the moment, this suffering is not nice to witness, to have to attend or have to rescue and attempt treatment.

"It's heart-breaking at times. We are very busy at the moment, we are trying our best to do as much as possible and our hospital is constantly full to overflowing."