An injured swan has been reunited with its offspring after police worked with colleagues from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and the RSPCA to rescue it.

A member of the public had spotted that the bird had ingested a hook and fishing line in the River Trent, Newark, last Thursday and contacted the local neighbourhood team. Officers attended along with colleagues from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and the RSPCA. Crews used a boat to get to the swan which was swimming out on the water with two other swans and four cygnets.

They captured the swan using a reach pole with a soft hook on. The RSPCA provided a net which was used to secure the rescue. The hook and line was removed at the side of the river and the teams ensured the swan was safely returned to its bevy. Charlotte Allardice, district commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “Officers are sometimes asked to assist in incidents that are sometimes a little out of the ordinary in relation to police incidents but we will take action wherever we can.

“It’s sad to hear that the swan was suffering after ingesting the hook and fishing line which we believe had been left behind by an angler which is really careless. “We’re asking fishing enthusiasts to please be mindful of this and to all members of the public to pick up their rubbish. It can have devastating effects on the wildlife and environment.”
Graham Chapman, crew manager at Newark fire station, said: “As a firefighter, we don’t just deal with fires, we attend a lot of other incidents including many animal rescues.

“On behalf of White Watch at Newark fire station it was an absolute pleasure to assist with this rescue. “Crews helped catch the mother swan, remove the hook from her beak and return her to her family.” A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We are grateful to everyone who was involved in the rescue of this poor bird. “Once the swan was rescued our officer was able to remove the hook and the line and return the bird back to the wild. “We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one piece of snagged line to be left in a tree or dropped near the water to endanger the life of an animal.

“We ask that all those who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust Take 5 campaign and make use of the recycling scheme to dispose of their waste tackle.”