The RSPCA is investigating after a number of swans were found dead in Gravesend.

Four birds have been discovered in the Thames and Medway Canal near Mark Lane, with some floating in the water and another having washed ashore.

One of them appears to have been cooked and gutted, which has left a foul stench in the surrounding area.

The birds were found last Wednesday evening at around 9pm and another one known to live in the canal is unaccounted for.

Local neighbourhood watch coordinator John Colfer said: "They are still here floating in the water more than a week later.

"There was a flock of three or four cygnets and the mum and dad. One of the signets is still unaccounted for.

"Three of them are floating in the water, one of them has been gutted and burnt. It's left an awful stench in the area so we're warning parents that come down here with their families.

"We get people up here every day. It's a nice recluse area, very quiet, and you can get away with your thoughts and have a nice break from it all.

"It's disgusting to see the swans being left like this."

Their nest had been well hidden by the height of the surrounding reeds, but they had been cut back to give people a more scenic view of the canal.

Mr Colfer is concerned that in hindsight that may have exposed the swans to danger.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA was contacted on Monday, December 12 after the bodies of three swans were discovered in Gravesend.

"At this time the deaths are being treated as unexplained and the RSPCA is appealing for anyone with information to call 0300 123 8018."

Police and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have also been informed.