A swan has been found dead with a gunshot wound to the head at Southmere Lake.

The shocking crime took place on Monday, July 26, when a swan was found deceased at the iconic south east London lake.

Bexley MPS revealed the swan was recovered under a foot bridge near Bazalgette Way in SE2 with a gunshot wound to the head.

The Metropolitan Police's Wildlife Crime Unit is now appealing for any information related to the crime.

News Shopper: Southmere Lake - Anders AdermarkSouthmere Lake - Anders Adermark

People on social media reacted with shock, asking 'why anyone would wish to harm a beautiful swan let alone shoot it dead?'

One person called it 'heartbreaking', whilst another said: "Some people are just horrendous."

This is not the first time a swan has been injured or killed in Bexley. Back in June 2020 a swan suffered severe jugular and windpipe injuries in an apparent dog attack in Danson park and died shortly afterwards.

A number of other incidents have occurred in south east London in recent years.

Anyone with information which could help police identify the culprits responsible should call 101 quoting the reference 3483/28JUL21.