A swan died and several disappeared amid reports that children were "throwing rocks" at the birds in a Glasgow park.

Rangers at Springburn Park in North Glasgow were today forced to move the animals to safety at an undisclosed location following the death of a cygnet.

Alarmingly, three others are also feared to be dead as they went missing from the pond, with the remaining baby bird also being under-weight.

Countryside Rangers and the local volunteers nicknamed 'swan aunties', who supported them with the move, are especially concerned because of reports that kids have been seen harming the animals.

The boys and girl were allegedly spotted carrying out the "shocking cruelty" multiple times over the past few weeks.

Swans in Springburn Park (Image: Supplied)

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A council spokesperson said: “Our Countryside Rangers have been forced to move three swans to safety from the pond in Springburn Park following appalling attacks by children throwing stones.

“Two adult birds and a cygnet were moved today after one young bird was found dead and another three others went missing feared dead.

“We would not normally disturb wild birds by moving them, but we felt we had no choice on this occasion.

“This type of animal cruelty is shocking and members of the public are asked to report wildlife crimes to the police by dialling 101.”

(Image: Robert Perry)

Swan at Hogganfield Loch (Image: Robert Perry)

In July, we reported that swans had to be moved from the dried-up pond in Knightswood Park in the West End.

They were released at Hogganfield Loch. 

This came after residents grew concerned for the animals, due to the reduction of the water to a "muddy puddle" during summer months.

Belinda Beattie, a resident, said at the time: "My friends don’t want to be near the pond because it’s distressing.

"Swans are beautiful creatures, they preen, they look after themselves."