DUCKLINGS and cygnets have "gone missing" from a Grimsby beauty spot.
Nature-lovers living close to Duke Of York Gardens in Corporation Road, claim seven cygnets and ten ducklings have been stolen from the park.
However, Humberside Police say there is no evidence to suggest a crime has taken place – but have pledged to keep a close eye on the park, which has the River Freshney running through it.
Vice-chairman of the Friends Of The Freshney, Keith Watkin, has been saddened by the mysterious disappearance.
He said: "The last time I saw them was ten days ago and now they are nowhere to be seen. Now there are all sorts of allegations going around. I have told people that unless people are seen taking them, they cannot know for sure.
"I just don't know where they could have gone."
Last year, swan eggs were found smashed around the park and others were taken without trace.
Mr Watkin also claims that fish stocks are seriously low because some people do not return the fish once they have been caught.
The Friends have since upped security on the bridge leading to the nest to stop eggs being stolen.
He continued: "The park is open 24-seven and we have had incidents similar to this before. Some of the eggs were stolen and others were smashed. Fishstocks are very low. It is very frustrating because so much could be done with the park."
The adult swans are still in the park but appeared "distressed" according to Mr Wakin.
A pair of swans and seven cygnets have been seen close to the Willows Estate, but it is not thought they would swim that far. Taking, killing or harming birds or their nests is a criminal offence and carries a maximum £5,000 fine and/or six months in jail.
The RSPCA is now investigating and the Royal Society For The Protection of Birds (RSPB) is "sickened" to think the birds could have been harmed. Spokesman Chris Collett said: "Swans and ducks are often the source of pride in a local community so it is both saddening and sickening when these birds are illegally taken or harmed, particularly during the breeding season.
"If a crime has been committed here, we would urge anyone with information to report it to the police."
Contact Humberside Police on 101 if you have any information.
