A PUB has warned that people are "being watched" after yobs were reportedly seen shooting at a swan using a catapult.

A swan nest was targeted on the canal opposite the Bird In Hand pub in Stourport last week.

Residents were outraged by the actions and took to social media to vent their frustrations, with the act being branded as "disgusting."

In response, the Bird In Hand has decided to install a sign, warning that those choosing to harm wildlife are under surveillance.

The sign says: "The swans are protected. 24/7 CCTV. You are being watched".

Lyn Harvey, landlady of the pub, said: "We had some kids catapulting them. It's happened in previous years.

"Why would you do it? It's just a shame. They are innocent creatures - they aren't hurting anyone.

"Go and find something else to do".

She is hoping the new sign will help protect the birds on the canal.

Ms Harvey added: "Hopefully that will deter them. They know they're being watched".

Sian Bagci, of the Bewdley and District River Bird Volunteers group, said she is "apoplectic with rage" following the incident.

She feeds the swans and birds on the canal regularly and said that last month four ducks were discovered dead with head injuries after being targeted with a catapult.

Ms Bagci said a female swan was being fired at whilst on her nest in the recent incident.

She said: "They were literally catapulting her on the nest.

"All I want to do is protect the wildlife. I don't understand why someone would want to harm them.

"It's unacceptable and it's unacceptable for anybody to be walking around with a catapult.

"Now the nest is under CCTV".

She added: "The vast majority of Stourport are very very supportive of wildlife".

She's asked people to not throw food at the nest and to keep dogs on leads when walking past.