Police have launched an investigation after a number of swans were reportedly injured by schoolchildren along a canal in Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were informed that the birds had been injured along Chesterfield Canal at Retford in “recent days”.

The force said specially-trained officers were making “significant progress” with their investigation into the “completely unacceptable” behaviour.

A spokesperson for the force’s East Bassetlaw team said those behind the incidents will be “dealt with appropriately”.