Police are being asked to bring criminal charges against a dog owner after a swan was savaged in a pond.

The female swan was found dead at Egerton Park, Bexhill, yesterday morning by residents. It is believed to have been killed by the dog.

Trevor Weeks, of the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS), believes a criminal offence has been committed by the dog owner for not keeping the pet on a lead.

A report has been filed to Sussex Police's wildlife unit in the hope of bringing criminal charges against the owner.

The swan had been targeted in the past, along with two other swans, with yobs pelting them with missiles while nesting.

Mr Weeks said today: "I don't know what to feel. We've put an awful lot of effort in trying to protect the swans and this happens."