Cambridge rowers are appealing to The Queen for permission to take the ultimate sanction against an aggressive swan nicknamed Mr Asbo.

The bad-tempered bird attacks any boat which gets too near on the River Cam and has left dozens of rowers with cuts and bruises. Now local rowers are appealing to The Queen for permission to have the swan removed from the river or even put down before someone is seriously hurt. Mr Asbo, who has even been known to capsize rowers, is believed to be protecting his partner and nearby nest.

Bill Key, president of the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association, said: "He particularly seems to go for the coxes and I know of one cox who now wants to give up after being hit by the swan's wings. It's a really serious problem and someone could easily lose an eye."

The Conservators of the Cam, who are the custodians of the river, said discussions were taking place about whether the swan could be removed. Deputy manager Jonathan Wakefield said: "The Queen has an officer responsible for the swans. I don't believe that anybody can kill or remove a swan without permission from them. "We are liaising with various governing bodies to see what the options are. We have not heard back yet what is possible."

I'd phone the R.S.P.B. but I think she can pull some strings there...

One'll be back...

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