A DUBLIN motorist has been caught on camera maliciously driving his car directly into a flock of innocent swans.
Footage posted on Facebook by Ray Watts captured the moment the disturbed driver ploughed at full speed into a flock of the graceful birds.
The incident occurred at Broadmeadow Estuary near Swords and has sparked concern online.
In the images two swans and a flock of several other seabirds can be seen gathered on the familiar narrow coastal road which leads to Donabate.
Moments later, the photos show how the grouped together animals were disrupted by a red Opel Astra, moving at high speed, which proceeds to plough through the animals.
While the majority of the birds succeeded in evading the high-speed vehicle, one of the swans was struck by the car.
Thankfully the bird escaped with only minor injuries – but it could have been significantly worse.
Writing alongside the footage, Mr. Watts appealed for anyone with information about the car to let it be known.
He wrote: “If you know him, tell him what you think!!!!!”
According to Dublin Live, the swan was able to swim away despite being hit by the car.
Mr Watts confirmed to the incident has been reported to Balbriggan Garda Station while the clip has also been passed on to BirdWatch Ireland.
Under the Wildlife Acts of 1976 and 2000 in Ireland both swans and gulls are protected species.
Any attempt at harming them is deemed a criminal offence.
