ANGLERS have been warned after a baby swan died with a fishing hook in its beak on a canal in Ebley last night.

Animal rescuers say the cygnet became entangled in fishing line and drowned after the hook went through its beak.

Eyewitnesses said two boys who were fishing caught the bird by accident.

A team from Five Valleys Hedgehog and Rescue, based in Thrupp, rushed to the scene at around 9.30pm last night but sadly the bird was found deceased on the canal by Ebley Mill council offices.

Kate Goacher, rescue manager at the Stroud-based animal centre said: "We have the poor dear cygnet, it was still warm when we netted it out of the canal.

"The poor thing was attached to a lure which is used to catch pike, the hook had gone through its beak and he had become tangled in fishing line and drowned.

"Residents had tried to call for the RSPCA and police for help.

"Sadly if they had called us and we had got to it earlier it could have been saved.

"Not only was this incident a welfare issue for the swan but also for the pike they were potentially trying to catch, with the equipment they were using and the time of year they were trying to catch them was all wrong and totally irresponsible.

"Injuries caused by hooks and fishing line is very common in swans sadly.

"If anyone finds a sick, injured or orphaned swan along the canal then please do not hesitate to call us.

"We are based in Thrupp, Five Valleys Hedgehog & Bird Rescue 01453 885558 07980 204551."

Jamie Dickinson, owner of Delta Nine IT in Stonehouse, wrote on Facebook: "A very unfortunate event this evening down at Ebley Wharf.

"Two young lads fishing have caught up a baby swan in the line and rather than get help from the people asking if things are okay they ran away and before anyone could help the baby has died.

"Please share to raise awareness of the potential to harm these beautiful creatures."

The cygnet was the last surviving of five babies and thought of fondly by many in the neighbourhood.