Young hooligans are making life a misery for a pair of swans and their six cygnets.

People living near Ladygrove Country Park, in Didcot, said youths on mountain bikes had been trying to mow down the swans as they crossed the road.

And youngsters were also using inflatable dinghies to get to an island to attack the birds with stones.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "I have seen children throwing stones at the swans and pulling their feathers out. It is disgusting behaviour."

Police animal welfare officer Albert Honey, who responded to calls from neighbours worried about the safety of the birds, said: "Young people have been throwing stones and bricks at the birds while they are on the lakes."

Police have appealed for anyone who sees the birds being harrassed to call them.

Police, who appealed for anglers, walkers and neighbours to call them if they see the swans being harassed. They said they were also concerned the problem could escalate during the school holidays.

Last year, swans on the the lakes had to be treated by experts at a swan rescue charity after they were injured by stones thrown at them and discarded fishing lines.

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