MYSTERY surrounds the death of a swan after reports that it had been found with gunshot wounds were today rejected by a vet.

Police have launched an investigation after the bird was found dead in Leperstone Dam, Cloak Road, Kilmacolm.

It was reported elsewhere that the bird appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, but an expert examination has in fact found no such injury.

Police were informed of the death on Saturday but it’s believed the bird died earlier, possibly on Thursday.

The swan was found decapitated but it’s thought this was caused by a fox or other animal after it died.

Leading local vet Neil McIntosh says that as yet there is no initial evidence to suggest foul play.

Staff at the firm’s clinic in Paisley were asked by police to carry out a visual examination of the animal, which was completed yesterday.

Mr McIntosh, of Abbey Veterinary Group in Greenock, said: “The police asked us to visually inspect the bird and there is no evidence that it has been shot.

“The head has presumably been removed by being chewed off, which can happen before or after death.

“I don’t think we would ever reach a diagnosis without some sort of evidence, and as yet we have none.

“Care has to be taken before jumping to conclusions and, contrary to popular belief, most wild birds that are found dead have not been shot.” Police have asked anyone with information about the swan’s death to call the non-emergency 101 telephone number.