THREE men have been arrested in connection with police inquiries into the shooting of dozens of swans in the Wedmore area.

The men, aged 45, 37, and 34 were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage today and are still being questioned by police.

It follows investigations by the RSPCA and police into the deaths of an unconfirmed number of swans in the area in recent weeks.

Originally eight swans were found dead after being shot in the head in a field off Totney Drove in Blackford on February 21.

Reports of further deaths have been received since then by Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill who believe the total to be around 40.

The animal rescue charity has also launched a Save Our Swans appeal after more than £26,000 - including a £10,000 donation from novelist Sir Terry Pratchett - was put up as a reward for information about the incidents.

Any further pledges will go into the appeal which will helps swans injured by fishing tackle, in road traffic accidents, or by hitting power lines.

Pauline Kidner, Secret World founder, said: “More importantly it can go towards the education of children in the hope of teaching them to love and respect wildlife.”