Reward for information on swan killer goes up to £500

During the last May bank holiday weekend the swan was shot with an air weapon while on its nest, brooding six eggs, near the Thrybergh Lane entrance to the country park.

Police then offered a reward of 200 to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever not only killed the swan but also put people in danger by firing a weapon in a public place.

Since the appeal, two Thrybergh residents have contacted the police and asked to contribute to the reward fund. Two further donations have now been received, of 200 and 100, from locals who have asked to remain anonymous. This now brings the total reward to 500.

Sergeant Bill Bell said: "Residents are shocked that this has happened and are understandably concerned that there is someone in the area who is quite happy to fire an air weapon in a public park.

"We would like to thank the local residents who have contributed to the reward money and hope that anyone with information as to who killed the swan will speak to us."

Five of the six eggs found in the nest have now hatched and the cygnets are being cared for by staff at Graves Park in Sheffield.

Graves Park manager Peter Fletcher said: "The chicks are healthy and thriving and seem to be enjoying all the attention they are getting at the moment.

"We hope that the reward money will encourage someone to do the right thing and report to the police who it was that shot and killed their mother."

Anyone with information can call the police on 01709 832422 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.