The pair of Mute Swans is nesting in the town for the second season running after a previous 40-year absence.

But two eggs have disappeared from the nest within hours of them being laid and it is thought they may have been stolen.

River Warden Brian Parker said: "The female laid her first egg on Friday and it was stolen sometime in the next 24 hours. She laid her second egg 48 hours after the first and that has been stolen as well.

"It is not as if swans are a rare species so it is probably kids or someone who just fancies eating a swan egg.

"If anyone went near the nest when the swans were there they would attack, but they have to leave the nest to preen and feed. Anyone or anything that has taken the eggs has been patient enough to wait until the swans have left.

"Now we are going to be keeping an eye on the site until the eggs are hatched."

Police have been informed of the suspected thefts and will be watching the nest as swans are protected by law and it is an offence to take their eggs.

"This has been reported as a crime. Swans are protected and stealing their eggs carries a substantial fine. If someone has been convicted of a similar offence in the past it could even carry a prison sentence," said Mr Parker.

The birds usually lay a clutch of between five and seven eggs and when they nested on the River Wansbeck last year five were hatched and three cygnets survived.

One was taken to the Berwick Swan and Wildlife Trust, another left the area of its own accord and the third was recently taken to The Sanctuary Wildlife Centre in Ulgham after its parents started to become aggressive.

Members of the public have been advised not to disturb the birds and to avoid throwing food towards the nest.

"People are going to be interested in the swans, but please refrain from throwing any food. When the female is sitting on the eggs she won't eat anything and the food would just encourage vermin to go near the nest," said Mr Parker.

"The swans seem to have adopted Morpeth now. It's a great sign that they are nest building for a second season on the river."

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