Vandals have thrown two vital pieces of life-saving equipment onto the iconic swans by the riverside in Ross-on-Wye.

The lifebuoys are placed by the river to help anyone who falls in and they will now be out of action until they can be safely removed from the swans’ necks.

A spokesperson for Ross Town Council told the Ross Gazette that both the lifebuoys from the Rope Walk have been thrown on to the swans. She added: "The river is currently fast and swollen – I don’t think people realise how serious the implications of this could be."

There is also the cost implication of removing the lifebuoys and repairing the swans created by renowned local sculptor Walenty Pytel.

If anyone has any information about how the lifebuoys came to be around the swans’ necks please contact Ross Town Council on 01989 562373.