Newport's love fight swan died of heart failure

A Shropshire swan, who shot to fame after a street brawl with a love rival, died of heart failure, vets revealed today.

Albert the swan died on March 29 just weeks after the bust-up with fellow swan Louis on the B5062 into Edgmond, near Newport.

Alan Evans, Newport's water bailiff, said an autopsy carried out by vets at Cheshire's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre showed Albert died a natural death.

The duel between Albert and Louis is understood to have been a misunderstanding between the birds.

Louis caught Albert cosying up to Sarah on Cheney Hill island in Newport after confusing her with his partner Mildred, who had been taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for treatment to her foot.

Shocked drivers called the police who had to forcibly separate the pair as feathers flew across the road.

Mr Evans said: "Albert lived a long and full life, but the excitement of the last few months took there toll.

"After the winter, the fight and reunion with Mildred, it was probably a bit too much for him to take."

In another twist he revealed Mildred had been ousted from her home by a new pair of swans yesterday.

He said Mildred may have fled to find another partner or even returned to the place where she and Albert first met, but she was nowhere to be found on the canal.