AN INJURED swan had to be rescued from the A339 in Newbury this morning (Thursday).
One of the first on the scene, at the side of the road which overlooks Victoria Park, was Special Constable Andy Slade of Newbury police, who took over from police colleagues after they had wrapped up the swan and placed him in the back of their police car.
“The swan has an injury to it’s mouth and is bleeding and possibly has other injuries, we really don’t know,” said Pc Slade.
The swan’s head and neck was inserted through the sleeve of a police colleague’s fluorescent jacket to calm the injured bird while he waited for help to arrive from the Swan Lifeline Centre, based near Eton College.
Pc Slade said that the police had received a report about the injured swan from a car driver, who saw a car fail to stop after it hit the swan.
“They must have realised they had hit it, but drove off,” he said, adding: “Someone behind them saw it happen and reported it to police.
“When it was hit, it was crawling around and made its way to the side of the road, but was still a danger.”
He explained that there were many accidents involving swans occurring on the road near the canal, which is a feeding ground for the birds, as they often land on roads after mistaking them for waterways.
Pc Slade contacted RSPCA animal collection officer, Darren Woodroof, who arrived to check up on the bird before calling the Swan Lifeline Centre.
The organisation specialises in rescuing and treating injured swans and one of the rescuers from the centre, Diana Davies, arrived shortly afterwards and identified the swan as male.
“I’ve no idea of his age. I don’t think he’s too badly injured,” said Mrs Davies.
Anyone who spots an injured swan, can contact the Swan Lifeline on 01753 859397.