A CROSSBOW-wielding thug who shot a mating pair of swans last week may have also fired shots at Throop Mill.

Both swans were seriously injured in the attack, which occurred at around 6pm on Wednesday, March 27. The male received veterinary treatment for an injured lung but the female could not be caught and died two days later.

Police said damaged windows had been discovered at the mill suggesting it had been shot at, and they re-issued a description of a suspect put out by the RSPCA earlier this week.

Police constable Claire Dinsdale, Wildlife Crime Officer at Poole police, said: “This is an atrocious act, and following further investigations I am now able to release some details of a man we would like to speak with.

“He was seen in the area of Throop Mill at around 6.15pm and has a very distinctive appearance.

“He is around six feet tall, of solid build, aged in his late forties, and had a tanned, weathered face and dark hair.

“He was wearing a black baseball cap, and a black or dark coloured leather jacket with red piping.

“He was carrying a black crossbow, which also had red piping on it and appeared to almost match the clothing he had on.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen this man in the area at the time of this incident to come forward and contact police in confidence.

“I believe he would have been seen by members of the public as the location is very popular with dog walkers and fisherman.

“Swans are crown property and therefore killing or injuring them is a serious offence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 31:177, or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.