UPDATE: Patrols stepped up after 'barbecued' swan found

The discovery of a swan's charred and half-eaten carcass on a popular public picnic spot has shocked Windsor.

The grim remains were discovered on Baths Island, opposite Windsor Leisure Centre, by Royal Borough community warden Peter Murkin on Sunday.

He was part of a team of wardens patrolling the island around noon.

Senior warden Andy Aldridge explained the patrols are to deter people from having barbecues at the site.

"The dead swan was badly scorched but still had feathers," he said.

Volunteers from Swan Lifeline attended to remove the carcass so families visiting the island would not see it.

Swan Lifeline co-ordinator Wendy Hermon said this week meat had definitely been cut from the swan's body.

Police are now involved and Andy added patrols are being stepped up across the area.