A gang of children have sparked outrage after a swan was brutally attacked and later died following a sickening incident described as 'deliberate cruelty'.
The helpless animal was targeted at Canoe Lake in Portsmouth, Hampshire, where swans are known to reside.
Horrified witnesses said the group of youngsters threw sticks and stones at the bird before viciously kicking and stamping on her in what has been described as a 'senseless and unprovoked attack'.
Despite being rushed to a vet, the female swan succumbed to her injuries and died 24 hours later.
Animal rescue charity Swan Support confirmed they were called to the lake after the incident and shared their heartbreak over the shocking scenes.
