A SAVAGE swan has been terrorising unsuspecting passers-by, leaving one kayaking couple fearing for their lives.

The beaked-bully 'should have an ASBO tattooed on its back', according to one of its many victims along the Carnforth stretch of the Lancaster Canal.

Andrew and Sue Fletcher fell foul of swan as they paddled towards the Canal Turn pub last Thursday (April 23).

"We were attacked four or five times," said Mr Fletcher. "It slapped its wings and tried to land on the back of our boat and hit us with its wings.

"We knew there was nothing we could do and there was a risk of capsizing. We were just waiting for the next flap, flap, flap. It was a frightening experience because we couldn't defend ourselves in any way. People have died because a swan is much bigger than you think and it wouldn't let you out of the water - it was dangerous."

The couple were forced to clamber out of the water and alert a passing police officer.

"I got a taxi back because there's no way I was going to paddle past that again," Mr Fletcher, of Skipton, said. "There's no way of knowing what each attack is going to result in."

Duddon Canoe Club members were spitting feathers after they were attacked by the swan, with a report of the incident on their website claiming it 'went into DEFCON 1 mode' and 'launched a full blown attack' on their group, which included several young children.

At this time of year swans can become vicious as they try to protect their nests from perceived threats, according to a spokesperson for the RSPB.

"During the breeding season swans can sometimes be aggressive towards people if they get too close to their nest or encroach into their territory," said a spokesman for the charity.

"Like a lot of birds and other wildlife, they are simply trying to protect their young. This behaviour normally stops once their eggs have hatched and the cygnets have started to move around beyond the nest. We would advise people to give swans a wide berth during the breeding season."