A swan injured with shotgun pellets while flying in north Norfolk is believed to have been shot down while in mid-flight.
Norfolk police were told an injured bird had been found on Beeston Common, near Sheringham on Saturday, March 2.
And officers believe the swan, which was found with three shotgun pellets in its spine, was shot at from the Sheringham area.
Rod Cowen, from Beeston Regis, who found the bird outside his home, said: 'I was outside my cottage and this swan came out of the treetops and flew into a garden.
'It was injured and I sat with it for about three or four hours waiting for the RSPCA.
'They were extremely busy.'
The 64-year-old retiree added: 'It turned out to be shot gun pellets - it had three pellets in its spine.
'It had been shot from above.
'Someone could have been shooting rabbits and shot it accidentally.'
Mr Cowen, who has lived in the area for three years, said the swan had been taken by animal sanctuary volunteers to a wildlife centre in Derbyshire.
He said the bird - thought to be male - was doing well, but added that it had been separated from its mate.
He said: 'The mate of the swan was flying round looking for him.
'Unfortunately she flew away and as far as we know we don't think they've been reunited.'
A Norfolk police spokeswoman said: 'Police received reports of a swan found on Beeston Common on Saturday, March 2.
'Staff from PACT animal sanctuary took the swan to a vet and X-rays showed the swan had been shot.
'The swan was transferred by PACT to a swan specialist who believes the swan was shot during flight.
'We have been unable to ascertain where the swan was shot from but it is believed it would have been in the Sheringham area.
'There is an offence of intentionally injuring a non-Schedule 1 wild bird, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
'Should anyone have information they should contact PC Ian Smith at Norfolk Police on 101.'
Have you been involved in an animal rescue in north Norfolk?
Email reporter Jessica.Frank-Keyes@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here