A swan has been badly injured by unattended fishing equipment.

It happened at Barton’s Point Coastal Park, off Marine Parade, Sheerness, on Sunday.

The bird got a crabbing line wrapped around its neck and the hook caught in its beak and was very distressed.

The incident has prompted staff at the park to warn visitors their gear can cause harm.

Ray Allibone, of Swampy’s Wildlife Rescue, was called out to try and catch the animal so it can be looked at.

The 57-year-old said: “I was appalled when I got there as there was a lot of blood showing on the front of the swan and it was trailing about 10 or 12ft of hand line and winder behind it.

“It had got caught up and it will be tearing the inside of its beak and there may be other damage.

“We don’t usually see so much blood with hook problems so I’m very worried about what the nature of wounds inflicted."

Mr Allibone, of Diamond Court, Sheerness, said he often gets called to Barton’s Point and most of the time it’s because of fishing hooks or line.

“If people could be more responsible with their fishing gear, watch for wildlife and take home and retrieve their equipment, these problems can be halted,” he added.

A spokesman for the park said: “Please can anyone who comes crabbing at the lake ensure their line is not left unattended and fully removed from the water to take home.

“It is a favourite pastime with many young families but if we cannot act responsibly with our equipment, then we may have to put a stop to it in order to protect the wildlife residing here.”