VIDEO footage of a dog walker appearing to kick one of the Dawlish Black Swans has sparked anger in the town.

The town council has also revealed in a separate incident, there have been allegations of an individual attacking and disturbing different nests with a large stick.

The video showed a man walking a large dog along the path immediately beside the Brook and near the new cygnets.

As the man tried to pass by with the dog, the adult swan, believed to be Bert, lunged at them, defending his young.

In the footage, it appears the dog walker then kicked at the swan.

Police have been informed of both incidents.

A town council spokesman said: ‘Dawlish Town Council is aware of distressing footage circulating on Facebook showing a black swan being kicked.

‘In a separate incident, there have also been allegations of an individual attacking and disturbing different nests with a large stick.

‘As custodians of Dawlish’s iconic black swans, the town council takes these matters extremely seriously. ‘All reports will be referred to the police for investigation and, where appropriate, further action taken.

‘Please be aware, it is a criminal offence to intentionally harm wild birds or to disturb or destroy their nests.

‘These offences are protected under wildlife legislation and can result in significant penalties, including fines and prosecution.

‘We ask the community to report any concerns or incidents directly to the relevant authorities together with any relevant evidence.

‘Thank you for helping us protect Dawlish’s wildlife.’

The video has provoked an angry response from residents and a warning that dogs should be kept on short leads and well away from birds.

One said: ‘The Brook should be free of dogs , let dog owners use the Lawn area where the dogs should be kept on a lead at all times.

‘As a dog owner I think this is fair but we must keep the swans and all the other birds safe from irresponsible dog owners.’

In more positive news, a few months ago three Muscovy ducks were dumped in Dawlish and found to be in a poor state and unwell.

The waterfowl wardens stepped in and took the trio to Quackingham Palace, where they were cared for, fed, and given time to recover.

Now, they are healthy and settled in Dawlish and enjoying life on the Brook.

Anyone who sees behaviour harmful to the wild birds or their nests is asked to contact police at https://tinyurl.com/4y7mk3e7