A swan injured after it was shot with a ball bearing has had an operation to remove it.

West Sussex Wildlife Protection provided an update about its condition after the shooting of two swans at Chichester Golf Club.

West Sussex Wildlife Protection said it was called out to the injured swans, that had been shot with ball bearings, on Saturday, March 5.

A statement from the volunteer organisation, said: “The swan is drinking and hissing.

“He has had pain relief and antibiotics at Fitzalan vets in Littlehamptonand is being transferred to a swan sanctuary in Kent for an operation to remove the ball bearing.

“We will return the swan to the golf club if he recovers, and as soon as possible.”

West Sussex Wildlife Protection also shared an x-ray of the swan, showing where the ball bearing had hit it.

Sussex Police, in a statement, said: “Around 3.30pm on Saturday (March 5), police received a report of two swans being injured, believed to have been hit by projectiles, at Chichester Golf Course in Hunston.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who saw what happened or who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 785 of 05/03.”