Swan died 'trapped in bike wheel'

The RSPCA says litter can cause a real hazard for the birds

A swan drowned when its head and neck became trapped in the spokes of a bicycle wheel thrown in the River Thame the RSPCA said.

The animal was discovered near Priestend on 1 November by a police wildlife crime officer in Thame, Oxfordshire.

Two cygnets were found dead in the same place in June.

The RSPCA has urged people not to throw unwanted items and litter into rivers, because of the danger they pose.

During the summer, witnesses told the RSPCA they had seen youths throwing bottles from a bridge at the swans.

RSPCA inspector Martin Rivett said:"Although the circumstances surrounding the discovery of this swan do not seem to be suspicious it is incredibly sad that a bird died just because of people throwing rubbish into the water.

"Thousands of wild animals and birds become injured and die as a result of litter every year. We hope people might think twice about littering if they know that a bird or animal might die."