A swan has been seriously injured and its mate is missing after what wildlife rescue experts fear was an attempt to kill the birds for food.

The injured swan was one of a pair that had recently made their home on the lake in Wandsworth's King George's Park and was rescued by staff from London Wildcare Trust.

On closer examination the swan was found to be suffering from severe trauma injuries to its neck, which the animal charity says are indicative of somebody attempting to strangle the bird.

Vets at London Wildcare Trust's hospital in Wallington are battling to save the traumatised bird's life.

The charity's founder Ted Burden hit out at the heartless individuals who attacked it.

He said: "It may seem far fetched but killing waterfowl for the dinner table is a growing problem.

"This is by no means the first instance I have heard of in Wandsworth, but it would seem this particular swan managed to escape his would-be killers. His partner may not have been so lucky.

"We are liaising closely with Wandsworth Parks Police and would ask people to keep an eye out for anyone attempting to interfere with waterfowl and to contact us immediately if they find an injured bird."

London Wildcare Trust treats more than 4,000 sick and injured animals and birds every year thanks to the dedication of a 24-hour, 365 days a year on-call ambulance service, a few paid staff and more than 100 volunteers.

It also runs the Ecology Centre on Wandsworth Common and a field centre in neighbouring Ealing.

The charity is funded entirely by public donations.

Call London Wildcare Trust on 020 8647 6230.