Appeal for information on brutal swan killing near Catterick

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a wildlife crime that occurred in Colburn village.

An adult male swan was brutally killed whilst guarding its nest at Colburn Lakes, behind Brompton on Swale Caravan Park, between 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 16 May 2023.

The swan has entry wounds on its head and neck but we have yet to establish how they were caused. Two eggs were also removed from the swan’s nest. Killing wild birds and taking their eggs are both offences.

We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. In particular we would like information about any suspicious people in the area as well as the possible whereabouts of the eggs that were removed from the nest.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email [email protected] You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Hannah Lancaster.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230088025 when passing on information.