Bitter love rivalry sees fighting in Newport - by swans

A bitter love triangle exploded into violence after rivals Albert and Louis stunned onlookers by getting involved in an unseemly brawl in the middle of a Shropshire street.

The female at the centre of the tug-of-love was Sarah, whose partner Louis caught Albert cosying up to her at Cheney Hill island in Newport.

Albert, who was pining for his lifelong partner Mildred, after she was taken away for treatment on her foot, tried to scarper.

But jealous Louis followed him and the pair ended up fighting on the B5062 into Edgmond last Friday.

Police were called to separate the pair - and drivers were all the more stunned as the rivals were swans. Most of the duel took place in the air before Albert was brought crashing down to earth.

Water bailiff Alan Evans, who keeps a close eye on Newport Canal where Alb- ert, Louis, Sarah and Mildred can normally be found, was quickly on the scene to catch the two male birds.

Louis was released back on the canal but Albert was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire to be overseen by a vet and reunited with Mildred, who was also at the centre recovering from her operation.

Ann Hall, who helps Mr Evans feed the birds on the canal, said Albert had been seen all over the town looking for Mildred. She said she believed he saw Sarah on Cheney Hill island and thought it was Mildred, sparking the duel.

She said: "It was quite a fight. Swans are meant to be together for life and they pine terribly when one goes.

"The RSPCA had to rescue Mildred by boat but Albert flew off so they couldn't catch him.

"When the fight started they went up in the air and Albert landed on the road.

"We got Albert to Stapeley and he was reunited with Mildred. Staff there said they have never seen anything like it. They were necking each other non-stop. The RSPCA have been absolutely wonderful."

Stapely swan expert Andrew Smith said: "They are both doing well and we are hoping to get them into a pond here early next week."

Mr Evans said it was mating season so the swans needed to be together.

By Jason Lavan