A MALE swan in Cirencester has been left bereft after a dog reportedly killed its mate.

The Standard was contacted by a reader who explained that the female of a pair of nesting swans in Cirencester’s Abbey Grounds had been killed this week by a dog

The forlorn male is currently sitting on the eggs in place of his partner.

Swans mate for life, so it is unclear whether this could be the end for the family of swans that make their home in the Abbey Grounds.

If anyone can shed any light on this incident please contact the Standard’s newsdesk on 01285 627318.