POLICE are investigating after reports of a swan being attacked near Braintree.

Officers say they received reports of a swan being kicked in the Bridge End Lane area of Great Notley on Monday, May 22.

The force said the bird did not appear to be injured following the alleged incident.

A spokesman added: "If anyone has any information or CCTV footage please report to us by visiting our website. or calling 101, quoting reference 42/91881/23."

In addition, anyone with information about those responsible for animal cruelty should also contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

The incident comes after the tragic deaths of four swans in Coggeshall in January.

Officers were called to a disturbance in Grange Hill after a member of the public had found one injured swan on the riverside and three swans which had died nearby.

The injured swan was taken to a vet by police but later died too.

Tom Walsh, Braintree councillor for Coggeshall, said he was "shocked and horrified" at the incident.

A memorial bench was later set up by the community to pay respect to the tragic incident.