Swans are among the most majestic and beautiful birds to be found on rivers and streams in Sussex.

Yet sadly they have been subject to an unprecedented wave of vandalism and abuse this summer.

Stone throwers killed a group of cygnets on the River Ouse in Lewes while more swans at Princes Park in Eastbourne have been hit by missiles.

Another swan died at Langney after swallowing a fishing hook and a dog in Bexhill killed another bird.

Why anyone should feel the need to attack these elegant birds is beyond most people's understanding.

But they do and it is becoming clear that in some areas, mostly within towns, protection is needed.

It might also be effective to warn vandals that swans are also the biggest birds in Britain and have been known to injure their attackers.