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As police hunt for a jogger who killed a baby swan by kicking it out of his way, animal charities are reporting other incidents of cruelty to wildlife during the coronavirus lockdown.

The cygnet died on Wednesday after sustaining "severe" head injuries from the incident which happened at around 5.30pm on Monday in Richmond Park, southwest London.

Staff at the Swan Sanctuary in Middlesex cared for the newborn bird after passers-by reported the incident to police but they could not save the animal.

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Royal Parks Police officers are looking for a grey-haired white male aged around 60, 5ft 6in tall, and who was wearing black running shorts and a vest with a logo on at the time.

Any witnesses should call 07920 586546 and quote reference 0705738/20.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA has told Sky News they have seen a rise in wildlife being brought into their centres during lockdown.

They won't speculate on the cause but the fact that more people have been outside exercising and getting fresh air means they may be more likely to see animals in distress than at normal times.

However, they have seen some instances of deliberate animal cruelty during the pandemic, including a crossbow attack on a magpie in a garden in Wolverhampton this week.

In April, a swan was taken to the 's centre in Nantwich after it was shot in the neck while swimming in a canal.

The bird survived but a pigeon and crow which were also shot in recent weeks had to be put down by vets.

Animal collection officer Lauren said: "It's horrendous that despite the lockdown, people still seem to be able to get out and about to hurt animals. We believe this poor swan may have been the target of a deliberate attack - something we still see far too often."

The charity deals with 1,000 incidents a year of animals being shot with air rifles.

The charity told Sky News it has seen an increase in dogs worrying livestock in fields and nesting birds and fledglings being disturbed.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust recently discovered a lapwing and its chicks which had been savaged by a dog.

It said: "Many areas are also reporting signs about COVID-19 and social distancing have been slashed and torn down, locked bird hides forced open, fencing removed and rules around respecting wildlife and nesting birds ignored."

The trusts are struggling to cope with the increase in anti-social behaviour because many staff have been furloughed.

The Royal Parks have ordered that all dogs must be kept on leads in Richmond and Bushy Parks to prevent attacks on young birds and pregnant or young deer.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, said: "These wonderful wild places are vital local havens for people to enjoy with family and friends, to walk, rest and see nature. Our natural heritage is priceless and so important for us all - for our health and happiness - but it is fragile.

"We're appealing to everyone to love and look after it. Everyone is welcome but please respect our wild places, other visitors and people who work there."

While they cope with the coronavirus outbreak, the RSPCA is asking people to only call their cruelty line if it is urgent.

The number is 0300 1234 999.