A sickening attack, that left a swan with a lure and hook embedded in its wing, has horrified Retford residents, some of whom reported seeing schoolchildren trying to hook the birds purposefully while filming their actions this week.

This latest attack follows several other incidents that have seen a volunteer from the Yorkshire Wildlife Rescue visit the Chesterfield Canal by the town centre three times last week and again this week, to help injured swans.

One of the birds is currently being cared for in the Rescue.

A Retford woman who visits and feeds the swans on a daily basis, alerted the Wildlife Rescue to the latest incidents on Wednesday this week.

This swan with a hook and lure in its wing is the latest casualty on the Chesterfield Canal running through Retford.

placeholder image — This swan with a hook and lure in its wing is the latest casualty on the Chesterfield Canal running through Retford.

One swan was caught up in fishing line and tied to a tree, while the other, suffering from an embedded hook in its wing, had to wait overnight to be tended to.

A member of the public was fortunately able to wade out into the canal to free the swan from the tree successfully.

The woman who contacted the Rescue said: "It's horrendous that this is happening to the swans, and people have seen kids trying to hook them up on purpose. Last year we had an issue with kids throwing rocks at them.

"People who live close by are keeping watch and everyone can help to try and protect the swans. We have two angling club bailiffs who are volunteers who patrol in Retford but we could do with more of these.

A close-up of the hook and lure in the wing of the swan at Retford.

"The lady who comes from Yorkshire Wildlife Rescue has to travel some distance to help us and came three times last week. It's getting ridiculous.

"Anyone who fishes along the canal should have a fishing permit or licence, and there is far too much fishing line left lying around. This all needs clamping down on."

The police wildlife officers have been informed of the recent incidences and are investigating.

The following statement was released by the Principal of Retford Oaks Academy, Luke Dickinson: ‘“We have been made aware of an incident involving Retford Oaks Academy students, which took place outside of school hours.

“Behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and will not be condoned. This matter now forms part of an active police investigation which we are fully supporting.”

Residents vented their anger and concern on social media: these are a few of the comments:

'What causes young people to do things like that? It's heartbreaking, and makes my blood boil, to see such young kids involved in harming animals, and the fact that they were filming it makes it even worse.' Patricia Kelly Graham

'My god how many more swans have to suffer for careless fishermen - six in trouble this month alone, very sad. Hope they get help and the care they need from the kind people that look after these beautiful birds'. Lee Mason

'Why the hell don't people who fish on the river act responsibly?! It boils my blood! Take your rubbish and discarded lines and hooks home with you! There's far too many incidences of this just lately. It's so irresponsible.' Jane Hewitt