A CHARITY said it is "heartbroken" after youths broke into its site and fired catapults at the swans.

Swan Support, in Datchet, which supports injured birds, said the past couple of weeks have been "the most difficult" in the history of the charity.

Youths reportedly broke into the premises and tortured the swans with catapults for 20 minutes.

In a statement on Facebook, Swan Support said two cygnets and two adults were killed and a number of others injured leaving two with life-altering injuries.

The charity said: "We are both heartbroken and disgusted!

"At this stage, we are working closely with Thames Valley Police. 

"We are also being supported by HM The Queen’s Swan Marker and collectively we will not let this go! We will continue our campaign until those responsible have been prosecuted!"

The charity is called out regularly to pick up birds who have been injured or killed.

Swan Support added: "Being honest we feel violated and have been shaken by what has happened. It has truly devastated all our volunteers."

The charity has now accelerated its plans to more to a new permanent site, which it is hoping to fundraise to help.

Swan Support said: "We appreciate that it’s tough at the moment however if you can spare a little something to help us on our way - we and the swans would be so grateful."

With a fundraising target of £50,000, the Just Giving page has already raised more than £8,600 .

To donate to Swan Support visit the Just Giving page.