A SWAN that was seriously injured after apparently being struck during a collision with a vehicle on a canalside has had to be put down by vets.

The adult male swan, or cob, was hit on a pathway alongside the Sankey Valley Canal in Newton-le-Willows.

Accounts vary over whether it was hit by a motorbike or pedal cycle but vets have confirmed the severe leg injuries were consistent with some kind of collision.

Concerned residents gathered by the canal to keep watch over the creature, believed to be the father of seven cygnets, whilst awaiting the arrival of the RSPCA.

Chris Hewitt, who lives locally, said: "It's such a shame the swan had to be put down.

"Next time it could be a small child – or a motorcyclist could be injured themselves."

Beverley Panto, head vet at the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange wildlife centre in Nantwich, where the swan was taken on Monday (July 6), said after assessing its condition, the decision was taken to put the creature down.

She said: "Once we gave him a full x-ray, it became clear that the leg was badly displaced. There were lots of fragments in the wound and it was infected.

"It was a tough decision as we wanted to keep him alive, but sadly we felt it was best to euthanise him as he would have been in pain and discomfort with his injuries."

Sheri Gorman, a volunteer with wildlife protection charity Harvey's Army who lives near the canal, said: "The canal path has been improved recently but it's easy access for motorbikes and they are whizzing up and down all day, nearly hitting dogs and birds."

She said: "I went down to see if I could help.

"The swan's leg was covered in blood, it's foot had been squashed and it was getting more and more distressed."

She added: "People are flying along the path on motorbikes or scramblers, not caring who or what is in their way. Irresponsible dog owners are also allowing dogs off leads to chase the swans."