Swan miraculously survives crossbow attack

A swan has miraculously survived after being shot through the chest with a crossbow.

The RSPCA first received a call about the injured swan on Monday morning, after the bird was spotted swimming in Tunstall Park in Stoke-on-Trent with a crossbow bolt piercing through its chest.

Luckily for the swan, the bolt managed to have missed his major organs and he was swimming around as normal.

However, it took the RSPCA three days to rescue the bird, as he repeatedly eluded capture.

With the help of several officers from Staffordshire Fire Brigade, a boat and a life raft, RSPCA officers eventually managed to catch and rescue the swan, who was taken to a wildlife centre to be assessed, treated, and hopefully have the bolt removed.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "Early signs are good, but it is difficult to know for sure how well the swan is before he has been seen by a vet.

"We urge anyone with any information about who may have shot this swan in this cruel manner to come forward and let us know on 0300 123 8018."