TWO swans were taken to an emergency vet service after they were shot on a canal with an air rifle .

Police and RSPCA officers were called to the incident at Leeds and Liverpool canal, on Whalley Road, in Clayton-le-Moors just before 12pm today.

After the shooting the swans were both taken to a local vet, police officers said.

A police spokesman said: “One of the swans has had to undergo surgery while the status of other swan remains uncertain.”

Cllr Stephen Button, who represents the area and a member of the RSPB, said: “It’s absolutely disgusting.

“It infuriates me because swans are such majestic creatures.

“They are even protected by law so not only is it deplorable but illegal.

“I hope some of the witness come forward and catch the culprits and are brought to justice.”

Cllr Tim O’ Kane, who also represents the area and was the former mayor of Hyndburn, said: “It’s terribly sad.

“I used to see the swans every day and it’s tragic.

“All the school children in Clayton like going up to find the swans and see them.

“It’s mindless vandalism and get’s people’s backs up.

“We need to be helping the police to catch the offenders.

The RSPCA were unavailable to comment.