Cygnet attacked and left with broken jaw on Royal Wootton Bassett canal

The bird was subjected to a vicious attack which left it needing surgery. Credit: Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue / RSPCA

A cygnet has been left seriously injured after a "targeted" attack which left it with a broken jaw on the canal close to Royal Wootton Bassett.

Wiltshire Police believes it happened between 5 and 6 July 2019.

The bird was found with these metal nuts in its neck. Credit: Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue

The animal was found on 7 July after being reported to the RSCPA and the nearby Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre in Cricklade.

Oak and Furrows rescued the bird, who was found with two "metal nuts" in its neck and a broken jaw.

The neighbourhood policing team for Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade posted about the incident on their Facebook page and warned locals to be vigilant and report acts of cruelty to the police.

Cygnets are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981.

It's hoped the bird will fully recover from the ordeal and return to the wild. Credit: Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue

It has recently undergone surgery and is expected to make a full recovery and be released back into the wild.