ANIMAL lovers have spoken of their outrage following the slaughter of a family of swans at a popular North-East nature reserve.

One male adult swan and four cygnets were found dead at Gut Pond, Ryton Willows – a site of special scientific interest – in Ryton, near Gateshead, shortly before 7.20am yesterday.

The female bird, which had been injured, had to be rescued.

All the birds had puncture wounds consistent with being shot with an air rifle.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Hunt said: “It is a disgrace and horrific. The villagers have been watching the family since the cygnets hatched.”

RSPCA Inspector Tony Jackman waded into the lake to recover the dead animals.

PC Rick Willis, of Northumbria Police’s marine unit, helped capture the wounded female.

RSPCA animal collection officer Jacqui Thorpe said: “You cannot describe how you feel when you find something like this. You get very angry and upset.”

Resident Joan Lancester, said: “I feel really sick. I watched them building their nest and came down regularly after the cygnets hatched.

So many people came down here to see them.”

Chief Inspector Sean McKenna said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area between 7pm on Wednesday and 7.30am on Thursday.”

Two teenage boys, both aged 17-years-old have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and are helping police with their inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police, on 03456-043-043.