RESIDENTS have expressed their concern after a swan was found dead under suspicious circumstances.

The swan was found between Mistley Towers and Portishead House on a grass verge with tire tracks next to it in the early hours of Saturday, January 28.

It was found headless and under further investigation from We Care Wildlife Rescue Centre volunteers, it is suspected the swan was hit by a car.

Gill Lewis, owner of Brantham-based We Care, said: “We received the report from a resident and one of our volunteers, Anthony Wilde, went down to investigate further.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Suspicious - Tracks on the grass have caused residents to suspect a hit-and-run.Suspicious - Tracks on the grass have caused residents to suspect a hit-and-run. (Image: Anthony Wilde)

“Anthony agreed with the reported suspicions that the swan was hit because of the tire tracks on the pavement and grass.

“It appears that the swan was hit with some force because its orange identification tag had fallen off.”

Vets were called to pick up the swan and safely dispose of it and Essex PoSuspicious - Tracks on the grass have caused residents to suspect a hit-and-run.lice were also called to investigate the situation.

Anthony added: “This wasn’t a reported swan related to bird flu, another reason I suspect the bird was hit is its feathers are directly on the tyre marks.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Swerved - Further images show evidence of a potential hit-and-run.Swerved - Further images show evidence of a potential hit-and-run. (Image: Anthony Wilde)

“I don’t know if it was on purpose or not, it's entirely possible that someone lost control and swerved but sadly we do not know.

“It’s been reported to the police who have told us they won’t be able to escalate the situation because there is no CCTV footage, which is understandable.”

Preventative measures could include CCTV footage to monitor the swans but Mrs Lewis said this might not work because of the time it would take from volunteers.

She added: “We could encourage the birds not to be on the grass verges because of the dangers cars can bring.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Removed - The swan's identification tag was knocked off in the hit.Removed - The swan's identification tag was knocked off in the hit. (Image: Anthony Wilde)

“Swans don’t fear cars because drivers feed them so we could get automatic feeders down to the beach so swans associate feeding with that area.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Whenever an incident is reported to us, we consider the investigative opportunities available to us including witnesses, forensics, CCTV, etc and carry out a proportionate investigation.

"Where there are no investigative opportunities available we will file the investigation pending further information coming to light."

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us."