The RSPCA confirmed that the male swan had been killed by two rifle pellets to its neck and chest after its body was retrieved from the lake at the Langold beauty spot.

It took several days to get the dead bird out of the lake as the recent blast of wintry weather caused the water to freeze.

Marilyn Needham, who is park keeper at the park off Doncaster Road, was horrified when she discovered the body on Sunday 8th February.

“I was very angry when I saw that the swan, and also two ducks, were dead, and I am shocked that someone would kill in this way,” she said.

A spokesman from the RSPCA said: ”It just seems awful to think that this swan was killed for absolutely no reason – just before the breeding season begins.”

”I would urge anyone with any information about what happened to get in touch with the RSPCA.”

”It is an offence to kill a swan under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.”

Dianne Hare, of Windsor Road, Carlton, who regularly walks her dog around the lake, wrote in to the Guardian in disgust at the news.

She said that she hopes those concerned ‘are proud to deny the public the right to see cygnets swimming around the lake this summer.’

Another caller added that they were shocked that they would no longer see the two swans together when they visited the lake.

Anyone who has any information about how the birds died, or saw anyone carrying a rifle on that day, can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.

The RSPCA recommends that if you find one or more dead swans, wild ducks, gulls, waders or geese – or 10 or more dead birds of other species – in the same place, you should contact the Defra Helpline on 08459 335577.