THE nesting mate of a swan killed by air gun pellets at a Bolton country park is coping well, RSPCA officials said today.

The swan was killed by yobs in front of horrified schoolchildren at Seven Acres Country Park, Breightmet, on Monday.

Caroline Hall, an RSPCA inspector, said: "Thankfully, the female seems to be coping quite well considering what has happened and we have no plans to move her." The male swan was hit four times by the pellets, twice in the head and twice in the body.

Ms Hall said: "It's a pretty disgusting thing to do to any bird, but this was particularly upsetting because the swan was there for everybody to see."

Police are continuing to appeal for information about the shooting and have searched a house in Breightmet for an air weapon, although nothing was found. Children and adults who were close to the pond at the time of the shooting are being interviewed by police.

Inspector Tony Kenyon said: "This was a sickening attack on an animal.

"Anybody who believes they know who is responsible should contact us immediately."

Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 5761 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.