A SWAN which has captured the imagination of walkers in a Warrington beauty spot has been found dead.

Swans have been nesting close to Bewsey Locks on the Sankey canal for some weeks.

At least seven eggs were laid in the nest last week.

However there was only a forlorn swan looking at an empty nest and the remains of a dead swan was about 50 yards upstream in the abandoned section.

The main body of the swan was apparently missing.

Warrington Guardian:

Readers have been in touch to share their shock.

Keith Thompson said "I hate to think what caused this terrible occurrence."

Jo Goddard added "It is with sadness to report that the beautiful swan has been killed in Sankey valley park."