OVER £1,200 raised to catch the killers of three swans will be given to a police informant and bird rescue centre Tinker’s Hill.

Four people admitted being involved in the incident last October in which a family of swans at Withybush Woods, Haverfordwest, was brutally shot dead.

In the immediate aftermath, a Gofundme page was set up online to “held catch the spineless idiots that murdered these beautiful swans”.

Within 24 hours, over £1,000 had been raised by dozens of donators who were outraged by the incident.

With the final culprit sentenced last month, there have been since been discussions as to where the total £1,275 should be sent.

Michael Mathias, who set up the fundraising page, suggested that the money be split.

Writing on the Gofundme page, he said: “There is someone who the police have asked me to consider paying a reward to.

“The individual they say is directly responsible for the arrests and has not asked for any reward.

“The police officer in charge of the case has told me that this individual put themselves on the line and he feels that we should offer them a reward.”

It is proposed that the remainder be given to Maria Evans from Tinker’s Hill bird and swan rescue centre in Amroth.

Maria looked after the surviving cygnet at her sanctuary, but sadly, despite extensive care and treatment, it had to be put to sleep after a month.

Fundraisers have generally reacted in favour of the proposal.

Julie Staniland said: “I agree with you Michael, £500 sounds like a fair reward and the balance leftover donated to Tinker’s Hill.

“The lady does lots of work with wildlife and I'm sure she would appreciate the donation towards the welfare of the birds.”

Haverfordwest magistrates court heard last month how the group had planned to shoot rabbits on private land but couldn’t find any.

As they walked back to their car through the woods they decided to shoot at the pond and saw swans coming out.

They then took it in turns to shoot the birds.

One cygnet and two adult swans were killed. The cygnet currently at the lake arrived several weeks after the shooting incident.

Gareth George Mattson, Benjamin Phillips and Joseph David Lawson were given suspended prison sentences.

A youth, who cannot be named due to a court order, was given a 12-month referral order.

The swan is a protected species and it is a criminal offence to harm one.