Animal lovers have been "left in tears" after a cherished swan was shot with an air rifle - leaving it bloodied and wounded.

Whiteley resident of two years, Helen Ireland, said she was "devastated" on seeing the swan covered in blood earlier this week.

An animal charity was later able to tell the 58-year-old that the female bird had been shot with an air rifle.

Hampshire Police are now appealing for witnesses, especially those who may have seen "suspicious individuals" in the area of the neighbouring business park.

Helen had just sat down with a coffee at home at around 10am on Thursday when she saw a Facebook post revealing that one of the two well-known creatures had been injured.

When she got to the pond, at the Bridge Deck Café in Solent Business Park, half an hour later, she "burst into tears" at the sight of the injured bird.

Helen said: "I was devastated. She was covered in blood and lopsided on the grass - I just felt so sorry for her. 

"I just wanted it to be natural, such as an attack from a fox, rather than something a person had done."

Helen's friend, Amanda Wiseman, 57, then contacted charity Swan Support in an effort to get the swan some help.

Helen continued: "Wendy from Swan Support lifted her wing and it was in an awful state - it was clear she had been shot.

"People like that are such evil - it made me so agree and upset. Some have been feeding these swans for 20 years."

The latest incident comes after a female swan was also shot in the neck and killed near Weston Parade on April 26.

Wendy Herman from Swan Support said that the wounds were consistent with a pellet wound from an air rifle. 

She added: "It's unbelievable that someone would do this, I'm absolutely lost for words. It makes me sick to death.  

"Sadly incidents like this do not come as a surprise to me anymore - I'm at the point where I'm sick of treating swans that someone has deliberately attempted to cause harm to."

Wendy also credited the efforts of Hampshire Constabulary in trying to find the culprit. 

Hampshire Constabulary have now launched an investigation.

A spokesperson said: "The swan was found at around 10am on Thursday 6 June near to The Bridge Deck Café, with injuries consistent with being shot with an air rifle, police were told.

"Fortunately the bird did not die from its injuries.

"Do you have any information about what happened or who might be responsible? Do you work or visit the business park, and have you noticed any suspicious individuals in the area?

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the Country Watch team on 101, quoting 44240238480."