TWO swans and Canada goose were found dead on the grounds of a private lake in Whitegate.

The birds were discovered on the Warrington Anglers’ Sandiway Lakes, near Winsford, on Friday, May 15.

Andrea Barron, 51, who walks along the route every day with her dogs, was one of the walkers who discovered the dead birds.

Mrs Barron, from Winsford, said: “There was one still alive and it was very distressing watching him swimming round the dead ones.

“Obviously all the local dog walkers and walkers have been very upset.

“There have been the pair of swans on the lake for a number of years now and we have enjoyed watching their cygnets every year.”

A police spokesman said the cause of death is unknown at this time, though they are appealing for information.

A spokesman for Western Rural NPU said: “A number of swans have been found dead by one of the lakes near Sandiway.

“The cause of death is not known at this stage, but police would like to hear from anyone who may be able to provide information as to what is happening to these birds.”

However Lyn Lythgoe, from Warrington Anglers, said the birds may have been shot.

She explained: “The bailiff came in last Friday and said he had spotted two dead swans. He had a feeling they had been shot.

“He was really upset about it. If they were sat on their nests, they’re sitting ducks really.”

She added: “There’s a lot of people who don’t like swans by the look of it. That’s the sort of society we live in these days. What’s wrong with people?

“It’s just diabolical what some people are willing to do.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.