A Berkshire wildlife charity has been called to a ‘heart-breaking’ number of bird deaths this month as a mysterious illness spreads across nearby waterways.

Swan Support, located in Bray, was first made aware of the situation on the Grand Union Canal between Southall and Hayes at the end of September.

In a statement to members of the public they said: “We appreciate that this is not good news and distressing for anyone local/frequent users of the canal.

“We can’t be sure as to what the cause is but is likely to be an illness of some kind that has spread through the small flock that congregate in that area.”

Over the past two weeks, the charity have attended the site where the swans, geese and ducks were reported dead as they recover the bodies from the water.

Swan Support have noted online that although DEFRA and the Canal and River Trust has been contacted they have not received help.

The owner of Swan Support added: “Whilst we are willing to do the unfortunate job of recovering the bodies from the water, we are not in position financially to cover the costs of disposal and it is not our responsibility to either!

“Also we do not know what we are dealing with - it’s clearly an illness of some kind that is spreading! We can’t be sure if Bird Flu is a cause or if it’s a toxin in the water and therefore precautions need to be taken to protect those already in care and those we rescue outside of the area.

The charity have praised the local council - Hillingdon Council – who assisted in the recovery of several birds, which have now been taken away.