SWANS were rescued from a river in Maldon over the weekend after being shot through the neck with crossbow bolts.

An RSPCA officer was out along the River Chelmer and Blackwater on Sunday when they spotted two swans in distress.

Both had been shot through the neck with a crossbow bolt, with the bolts still lodged in them.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: BROKEN: The bolts after being removed by hospital staff

Broken - the bolts after being removed by hospital staff

A team was assembled consisting of RSPCA staff, residents, and crews from the South Essex Wildlife Hospital who managed to corner the swans and take them to the hospital’s base in Orsett.

A statement posted on the hospital’s Facebook page said: “When local RSPCA inspector Rebecca called asking for help in Maldon to catch two swans injured by crossbow bolts we quickly got a team together to try and help.

“Excellent team work got the help these swans urgently needed. Back at base our job was then to access the wounds and remove the arrows.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: STABBED: An x-ray of the bolt through the swan's neck

Injury - an x-ray shows the damage caused 

“It is an incredible miracle both birds were not killed or their injuries much worse. Someone somewhere knows who is responsible for this hideous crime.”

Both swans are now recovering at the hospital, where they will be kept under supervision and given antibiotics to prevent their wounds from becoming infected.

The South Essex Wildlife Hospital is a charity which relies purely on donations so they can carry out this type of treatment.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: PIERCED: One swan had the bolt go through the bottom of her mouth

Pierced - one swan had the bolt go through the bottom of her mouth

Its statement added: “The incident with the swans has again highlighted just how important it is that charities like ours are there for our wildlife.

“We rely on public donations to continue our work. If you can donate a little to help these swans and other sick and injured wildlife you can do so by text or online via our website.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: CARE: Staff at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital treating the swans

Care - staff looking after the two swans

Visit www.southessexwildlife.org.