A wildlife rescuer fears a swan killer is targeting Thamesmead after three mutilated birds were discovered in Southmere Lake.

Carly Åhlén, who lives in Greenhithe, heard through a photographer friend that decapitated swans were found in the water on two occasions in December.

Suspecting foul play, she began 2022 by patrolling the area, setting up a trail camera.

On January 2, she discovered another beheaded swan, followed by a disfigured fox 11 days later.

This Is Local London: Carly releasing a rescued swanCarly releasing a rescued swan

Ms Åhlén, who is in her 40s, told News Shopper: “I think that some perpetrator, or perpetrators, are going around harming the wildlife.

“I think it’s very concerning that someone is clearly targeting wildlife and getting pleasure from it. Why else would they do it?

“People have to keep to keep aware and report anything. I really think it's fundamental.”

Ms Åhlén, who runs a wildlife rescue charity, believes the killings are taking place under cover of darkness, between midnight and 5am.

A previous spate of swan deaths under similar circumstances also prompted patrols in 2017.

Residents reported that birds were decapitated, and at times opened by the breast.

With the recent killings taking place each around ten days apart, Ms Åhlén believes a pattern is emerging.

She has dismissed the theory that foxes were involved swan mutilations, as the Met concluded in their investigation into the Croydon Cat Killer.

"It's just not heard of", she said.

"Swans are very aggressive. I mean, if a swan and fox fought, you know, the fox is going to come off very, very badly."

According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it a specific offence to kill them.

Up until 1998 killing or injuring a swan was classed as treason, under an ancient law dating back to the 12th century.

Ms Åhlén has reported her findings to the police, but is yet to hear back.

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