Investigation launched after reports of teenage boys shooting swan with air rifle

A member of the public reported that two boys had shot the swan with an air rifle on the River Dearne, close to Middlewood Park, at 4.10pm on June 27, police said. 

"The boys, who are described as approximately 15 years old, fled the scene in the direction of Doncaster Road," added a police spokeswoman. 

She said officers dispatched to the scene had failed to find the boys or an injured swan.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate those responsible, the spokeswoman said, appealing to anyone with information to call 101 quoting incident number 651 of June 27 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.