THE RSPCA have confirmed they are investigating the death of another mute swan at Carr Mill Dam after the bird's body was discovered by distressed nature lovers.

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA said: "I can confirm that one of our animal collection officers did go to Carr Mill Dam and they removed a dead swan and a dead goose from the water. The goose was apparently quite decomposed but we are investigating the cause of death of the swan at present.

"We will not have any further information on this incident until the results have come back from this investigation."

There has been no confirmation of foul play, however, the history of wildlife being attacked at the beauty spot has set alarm bells ringing.

Over several years the nesting birds at the dam have been the target of thugs and vandals who have shot them and hurled bricks and bottles.

Two years ago the RSPCA even had to issue a warning to people when one of the swans was attacked by a dog.

One Star reader said this week: "As a weekly visitor to Carr Mill Dam I was pleased to capture some great pictures of two magnificent swans at the beginning of March. They're becoming rarer and rarer on the Dam so I was horrified to see another one dead, just three weeks later. This beautiful bird was floating in the water only yards from where a pair had nested last year.

"I remember after my initial joy at seeing the nest, I immediately feared for the pair given the nest's proximity to the old aqueduct. We passed the nest a number of times with one or other of the pair sitting but it didn't take long for my fears to become reality.

"After a few weeks we saw the nest unguarded and what was left of the eggs smashed alongside a beer bottle thrown from the bridge."