Vandals attacked a pair of swans and destroyed their nest on a pond in Eastbourne.

The swans had made Langney pond their home and were waiting for their clutch of four eggs to hatch.

Their peaceful existence was shattered, when a gang of youths attacked them with sticks and stones during the weekend.

The nest is now empty, with the once warm eggs found either smashed or floating in the pond.

Volunteers from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS) have been monitoring the pair's progress since they settled in the pond, behind Langney Shopping Centre, about six months ago.

WRAS county rescue co-ordinator Trevor Weeks said: "Words are not strong enough to describe how I feel about this incident. I am sickened by it.

"We have been keeping an eye on these swans for a while and two months ago we cared for the male swan when he hurt his leg.

"We have really got to know this pair and watched them struggle to establish themselves in the pond, fighting off invading swans.

"For all that to be ruined by such mindless behaviour is disgusting."

The WRAS was contacted by an 11-year-old girl who claims to have witnessed the attack on the swans.

He said whoever was responsible for the attack had committed offences under the Countryside and Wildlife Act.

Sussex Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and are keen for anyone with information to contact PC Brownjohn on 0845 6070999.