Two swans have been found dead with suspected gunshot wounds in a canal in Gravesend.

The bodies of the birds were discovered on the Thames & Medway Canal, near Mark Lane, in the town.

The first was found last week and the second reported to the RSPCA by a member of the public who spotted the swan’s body floating in the canal yesterday morning.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who might know where these swans were killed, or who may have more information about how they were killed. Swans are protected and it’s illegal to shoot or kill one of these birds.”

Anyone caught deliberately trying to injure a wild bird, or kill or take it without a licence, can face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000 if found guilty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Police were called to the first incident and are also investigating. The bird had been left floating in the water for several hours before the incident was reported, with local wildlife officers also looking into it.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police received a report of possible cruelty against a swan at 2.46pm on Tuesday 15 December.

"The matter has been referred to wildlife officers covering the area.”

It is unclear if the swan were ringed. Any unmarked mute swans in the Thames "or tributaries" officially belong to the Queen.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.