THIS is the shocking image of a swan kicked to death by youths as it sat on a nest of eggs.

The RSPCA has released the image in a bid to help find the thugs responsible and bring them to justice.

Two thugs were spotted carrying out the horrific attack in Amberswood Lake off Liverpool Road in Platt Bridge, Wigan at 6.430pm last Friday night .

After kicking and stamping on the bird's head the two teenagers threw it into a wooded area before walking off.

A passer-by who saw what happened went to try to help the bird, but it was already dead by the time they got to it.

Inspector Lisa Lupson said: "This was a horrendous incident which no doubt caused this swan a huge amount of suffering.

"Looking at her injuries it would seem the poor thing was literally beaten to death.

"To add to the tragedy, she had been sitting on a nest. Fortunately, the eggs hadn't hatched.

Intentional cruelty

"A lot of what we see here at the RSPCA is animal neglect, cases of intentional cruelty like this are very few and far between but there really is no excuse for this kind of behaviour, it is absolutely disgusting.

"The passer-by saw the boys kicking a white object in the distance told me how their stomach churned at the thought it might be the swan they were attacking. It is just beyond belief that someone would want to do such a thing.

"Unfortunately, I don't think it's the first time these two have been down near the lake. I have taken reports of people seeing them with an air rifle shooting at birds down there. It could be this is how they managed to get hold of this swan before they killed it.

"There were two swans down there originally, this female and a male, but the male seems to have disappeared a couple of weeks ago as no-one has seen it. I am worried that it has also been targeted by these two.

"When I was called out to deal with the incident it was really upsetting, but then anger took over and I thought, `I am not going to let you get away with it'.

"That is why I decided to see about getting this information in the newspaper because I need people to help me find those responsible. If anyone can tell me their names or where they live it will help me to pursue my investigation.

"I would also like to reassure people that the details of anyone who does call us will be kept confidential and they can even call anonymously if they want. These two need to be caught."

One of the youths is described as about 18-years-old, 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured shell tracksuit. The other is described as about 5ft 2ins with a medium build. He was wearing grey clothing.

The latest national figures from the RSPCA revealed a 34 per cent increase in convictions for cruelty to dog between 2006 and 2007; a 15 per cent increase in convictions for cruelty to cats; a 12 per cent increase in RSPCA cruelty investigations and a 26 per cent increase in banning orders issued by the courts.

In Greater Manchester in 2007 45 people were taken to court accused of cruelty to animals. Thirty one were convicted but only two were given a prison sentence.

The maximum sentence for cruelty like that inflicted on the Wigan swan is six months in jail.

Anyone who thinks they can help should call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.