Killer swan set to be evicted

A SWAN nicknamed "Hannibal" after he killed 15 other birds and injured dozens more could be removed from a pond to end his reign of terror.

Hannibal has lived with his mate and their cygnet alone on Castle Pond by Pembroke Castle in west Wales since February.

When other swans accidentally end up in his territory after straying from the nearby safety of Mill Pond, which is separated by a bridge and barrage, he attacks them, volunteer rescuer Maria Evans said.

She has applied for a licence to remove the family protect the other swans.

Ms Evans said: "There are about 60 to 70 swans in Mill Pond and if one accidentally lands in his territory he will corner them and duck them under until they drown or get them on to a ledge and smash their feet to smithereens with his beak.

"Mrs Hannibal blocks off the escape routes while the male attacks them. Then they take the baby to view the kill while mum and dad do a triumphant, wings-up, celebration.

"I have been out in my boat to rescue swans while he is attacking them. I think he is an absolute terror but I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt that there could be a reason he is like this."