Wild bird deaths could be linked

Animal welfare workers have condemned the shooting of a goose, which was killed just a mile from where two swans were targeted six weeks ago.

The male bird - one of a pair - had been shot in the eye on an allotment in Houghton Le Spring, near Sunderland.

In August, walkers discovered the carcasses of two swans that had been shot at a country park a mile away.

The RSPCA said it was working with the police and that it suspected the two incidents may be linked.

RSPCA Inspector Michelle Penny said: "We don't know whether the two incidents are connected or not, but obviously the close proximity suggests they could be.

"We're very concerned and urge anyone who thinks they might know anything to contact us on the RSPCA cruelty line, or the police."