BABY swans were killed by youths at the side of the River Avon.

Underneath the De Montfort Bridge, five teenagers of "about 16 or 17" were reported to have dragged two baby swans from the river.

A man at the scene, who did not wish to be named, said: "A couple of anglers were fishing when they saw what was going on.

"Because I quite often go down there, I was called.

"Five young lads of about 16 to 17 had dragged swans from the river and the two babies ended up dying. The mother was also injured.

"When people tried to confront them, they gave a mouthful before leaving.

"I called the police and said they would be arrested but they (the youths) said the police will not do anything.

"Police came down originally but I have not heard anything since."

A tweet by Evesham Cops suggested that the incident was an accident.

It said: "The case has been investigated. 2 cygnets became tangled in casted fishing wire and unfortunately drowned.

"Witnesses spoken to and no evidence this was a deliberate act. The case has been passed to RSPCA. Evesham is and remains a safe place to visit."

The incident happened at around 8pm on Sunday July 1.