NO further action is to be taken against a 17-year-old youth who was arrested after two swans and several pigeons were shot in Alresford.

The youth, from Alresford, was arrested and questioned on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate.

However, officers have since confirmed they don't believe he had any involvement in the incident.

Police now consider the matter closed pending further evidence coming to light.

A spokesperson said: "Following a thorough investigation no further action will be taken against the 17-year-old boy who was initially arrested."

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The dead swans were found with 'multiple pellets' in their heads on a footpath by the River Arle and next to the recreation ground at Arlebury Park on Monday, May 2.

The discovery initially sparked concerns over whether there had been a further outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu as it is commonly known.

However, it was later confirmed the swans had been shot with an air weapon in what was described as a “heinous act”.

The swans were found by HART Wildlife Rescue, an animal hospital in Medstead - who were also called out to deal with an injured mallard and a wood pigeon in close proximity.

Their discovery led to a host of nature lovers expressing their heartbreak at the news on social media.

Paul Michael Reynolds, HART Wildlife Hospital manager, said: "We reported yesterday about two dead swans being found near the eel house on the River Arle in Alresford.

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“The initial concern was that avian influenza could be responsible, sadly it was confirmed yesterday by Swan Support who kindly removed the bodies for testing that the pair of swans had been brutally killed with an air weapon.

“They were a male and female pair. Each swan with multiple pellets in its head and neck. We were also called to two other injured birds, a wood pigeon, and a mallard all within very close proximity and also on the river footpath."

It added: "This is a heinous act which we are sure no one would expect to see in Alresford, a village famous for its wonderful waterfowl. Those responsible should be held to account."