A SWAN was so badly injured after being struck by a motorbike on a canalside that vets at an RSPCA wildlife centre have had to put it down.

The adult male swan, or cob, was hit when a bike drove down a pathway alongside the Sankey Valley Canal in Newton-le-Willows on Sunday.

The animal suffered an injured leg and concerned residents gathered by the canal to keep watch over the creature, believed to be the father of five cygnets, whilst awaiting the arrival of the RSPCA.

Sheri Gorman, a volunteer with wildlife protection charity Harvey's Army, said: "The canal path has been improved recently but it's easy access for motorbikes and they are whizzing up and down all day, nearly hitting dogs and birds."

The 25-year-old, who lives near the canal, said: "I heard a swan had been hit at the canal and was in distress. I went down to see if I could help.

"The swan's leg was covered in blood, it's foot had been squashed and it was getting more and more distressed. It went back in the water but the fear then was the wound would get infected. Eventually I had to leave but the RSPCA came and collected the swan later.

"I didn't see the motorbike myself but people said it drove at the swan and didn't slow down."

She added: "People are flying along the path on motorbikes or scramblers, not caring who or what is in their way. Irresponsible dog owners are also allowing dogs off leads to chase the swans.

"I would ask people to keep the swans safe by keeping dogs on leads and would ask bikers to stay off the canal."

Chris Hewitt, of Avia Wild Bird Care, who also lives locally, said: "It's such a shame the swan had to be put down.

"Next time it could be a small child - or a motorcyclist could be injured themselves.

"I've nothing against motorcyclists but this is not the right place for them."

Beverley Panto, head vet at the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange wildlife centre in Nantwich, where the swan was taken on Monday, said the creature was put down yesterday (Wednesday).

She said: "For 24 hours we gave him pain relief and put a splint on his leg.

"Once we gave him a full x-ray, it became clear that the leg was badly displaced. There were lots of fragments in the wound and it was infected.

"It was a tough decision as we wanted to keep him alive, but sadly we euthanised him."