A wildlife charity has said that they are heartbroken after four dogs attacked and killed a family of swans at a Thatcham nature reserve.

At approximately 13:20pm at the Nature Discovery Centre, tragedy struck by the watersedge when a dog killed a cygnet and severely injured a female swan.

Swan Support, a bird charity based in Cookham, rushed to the centre where they deployed two canoes to search for the swan.

After finding her on an island, the female swan was brought back to the shore and taken to the Swan Support HQ for treatment. Despite extensive care, the injured swan died on the same day as a result of her injuries.

Swan Support said: “Please, please, please keep dogs on leads around wildlife, particularly at the moment with females on nests and the babies now out and about.

“The swans are not being aggressive - they are protecting their family the only way they know how….it can and often does cost them their life!

“Please help to keep them safe - today could have been totally avoided instead a family has been torn apart and at least 2 lives have been lost! We have left the remaining cygnets with the male and will monitor them closely.”

Thames Valley Police are currently undertaking investigations into the attack which involved two females and four dogs.

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said: The dogs are believed to be spaniels. One of the dogs attacked and killed a Swan and 2 Cygnets. We would like to identify these people.

If you witnessed this incident or have any information please contact the Neighbourhood Policing team on thatchamNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk