The disappearance of a swan has left villagers baffled and the bird's mate pining.

Wildlife rescue experts believed the bird may have been stolen and fear its partner could die as a result.

Experts were called when the bird, believed to be a cob, had not been seen on the village pond in Westham near Pevensey, for a few days.

Trevor Weeks, of the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS), visited the pond yesterday to investigate.

He said: "The other swan is pining and has only eaten a little bit. We are concerned because they can pine away. We'll be keeping an eye on her."

Mr Weeks said he found some straw on the bank of the pond and in the road and was concerned someone may have removed the bird for a private lake.

He said: "If a fox had had it there would have been feathers.

"It hasn't been shot because their bodies float. There is a possibility it has been stolen."

Anyone who may have any information should call WRAS on 07815 078234.