A swan has been injured following a catapult attack in Caversham, according to a local resident.

Reading residents reported an injured swan to a Berkshire wildlife charity, Swan Support, when they spotted the bird bleeding in Caversham Prom.

After hearing back from Swan Support, the member of public said that his ‘worst fears came true’ when it was confirmed that the swan suffered a wound to the leg after being shot with a catapult.

After being rescued, a small ball bearing was removed and it was given anti-biotics.

There have been several reports of swan injuries involving catapults across Berkshire, including areas in Windsor and Newbury.

The poster, who alerted people to this incident on a Caversham community group, said that he had heard reports of ‘two lads firing at and killing pigeons down at the prom’.

Due to recent laws, killing or injuring a swan could amount to criminal damage and wildlife related offences and have been successfully prosecuted in the past.

Caversham residents who frequent the river area and Thames path have been asked to keep an eye out for anything untowards happening.

In a recent interview with the Slough Observer, the owner of Swan Support, Wendy Hermon, stated that she has seen an increase in catapults, guns and even dog attacks.