POLICE are hunting a gang of callous brutes who shot dead two swans on the River Avon.

The sickening attack happened on Monday afternoon and comes at a time when wildlife charities are concerned about the declining number of swans living on Salisbury's rivers.

Wildlife Rescue and police officers were called to Southampton Road at 4.30pm and discovered a female swan lying dead near the riverbank and her cygnet caught in the branch of a fallen tree.

Both birds had been shot in the head with a .22 air rifle.

The mother had lived on the river for eight years and had hatched three cygnets this spring.

Despite an extensive search by Wildlife Rescue, the two remaining young birds have not been found and the charity is concerned for their welfare.

Officers believe a gang of youths seen with an air rifle three hours earlier might have slaughtered the birds.

A woman called police at 1.30pm to report that six youths had concealed themselves in the bushes near the car park in Churchill Gardens and were firing an air rifle into the river.

The gun had a brown case, which the gang had hidden nearby.

Police searched the area but could find no trace of the young men.

One was described as dark-skinned and wearing a red Puffa jacket.

Four of the others were white and one was Asian.

Anyone who witnessed them shooting at wildlife or saw them in the vicinity of Churchill Gardens is asked to call Salisbury Police, on 01722 411444 or Wildlife Rescue, on 01722 327265.