'Beautiful' swan run over and killed

Tributes have been pouring in for a beloved swan who was run over and killed by a vehicle at a marina over the weekend.

Bert lived at Lady Bee Marina in Southwick, West Sussex, with his lifelong partner Rose who were both very popular with visitors to the pub and cafes.

A wildlife group is planning to sprinkle his ashes at the marina and said the community was "very honoured to be blessed with these beautiful creatures".

A report was made to Sussex Police about the incident on Sunday afternoon, and the force said no further action will be taken.

Lucy Newton, who volunteers for a wildlife group which looks after the swans, told BBC Radio Sussex: "One of the volunteers was down at the marina when it happened.

"Someone said Bert had been hit and he was with him within minutes.

"We hope Rose will go on another adventure, find a mate and come back to us. If we lose her, it would be absolutely devastating," she said.

"We have been very honoured to have been blessed with these beautiful creatures down here."

"These swans have done wonders for my mental health and I know they have for many others."

Tributes were also made on Facebook, with people saying the swans kept them company.

The New Port Arms, the pub in the marina, said Bert was one of their "favourite regulars" and they were "absolutely devastated".

Another person said their daughter "loves them" and they visited the pair "all the time".

The swans have lived at the marina for 10 years. The birds can be monogamous and pairs stay together for life.

Sussex Police said it had reviewed CCTV footage of the incident.

A spokesperson said: "While we understand that this has caused distress within the community, there will be no further police action in relation to it."

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