LIFE is tough enough for a prospective mum whose boyfriend has cleared out before the baby arrives.

But life for this swan, who is expecting a clutch of eggs to hatch any day now, is being made even harder by a group of thoughtless young thugs.

Watford police are asking wildlife fans to take the nesting swan under their wing after the bird became a target for children throwing stones.

The swan, which has a nest on an island in the middle of the River Colne off Hamper Mill Lane, could be in danger from the youngsters who are said to have hurled rocks and other missiles at the bird from a disused World War Two gun tower on the river bank.

Police wildlife liaison officer Wayne Nash is now urging locals to rally round and keep an eye on the beleaguered bird, who may have been abandoned by her male partner.

Although swans generally mate for life it is believed the swan is on her own.

A police spokesman said: "What the kids are doing is an offence. We are appealing to the public to keep an eye out for the swan and if they see anything wrong to call the police.

"It is quite distressing for the swan if children are throwing stones at it when it has laid eggs and is vulnerable.

"It doesn't seem to have a mate with it to fend off any horrid children coming along and throwing things. So we're asking people to take it under their wing, so too speak, and look after it."

Anyone who spots anything amiss is asked to contact their local police station.

April 28, 2003 17:30