A swan was found dead and its mate had an arrow lodged in its wing after a "cruel and mindless attack".

Officers from the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland were alerted after the swans were discovered at Wemyss Estate, Kirkcaldy, on Saturday.

Two arrows were also found in the pond and on the bank of the water, off Standing Stane Road.

The swans were a pair which had returned to Wemyss Estate over several years.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Sarah Gregory said: "A female swan had been shot through the wing in a cruel and mindless attack believed to have occurred on Friday evening.

"The arrow narrowly missed her vital organs and spine. The swan underwent surgery at a vets and is now in the care of our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross.

"She is doing well and we are hopeful she will make a full recovery."

Inspector Gregor said she was awaiting post-mortem results of the male swan’s death, and could not say for certain whether he was shot.

She added: "These swans are a pair who have been returning to the estate for several years and why anyone would want to injure or kill these defenceless birds is beyond all reasoning.

"The estate owners are assisting us with our enquiries and we are working with Police Scotland to track down the perpetrator."

PC Lindsay Kerr, Fife Division’s wildlife and environmental crime officer, said: "This sort of animal cruelty is completely unacceptable and we're carrying out various lines of inquiry in an effort to trace and arrest whoever is responsible.

"I would urge anyone who knows who this person is or who has information that might assist with our investigation to contact police immediately."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or Police Scotland on 101.