Swan brings A5 to a standstill
A distressed swan caused traffic chaos, bringing drivers to a halt on one of Shropshire's busiest roads today. Motorists phoned police with fears for the safety of the bird on the A5.
It was first spotted at the side of the road shortly after 11am this morning. Drivers had reported that it had been struck by a vehicle.
Police were forced to close one lane of the A5 between the Preston and Emstrey islands to ensure the bird was not hit.
Officers were with the swan for about 45 minutes before moving it away from the road. It then flew off, apparently unhurt, towards the River Severn.
The police officers who managed to calm the distressed bird said it was extremely dazed.
Police spokesman Richard Ewels said they received a call at 11.15am to say a swan had been "knocked down".
He said: "The caller was worried about the swan and the traffic problems it may cause. They said the bird was injured at the side of the road."
The police contacted the RSPCA who were travelling from Oswestry, but were later notified they were not needed.
One motorist said: "When I saw the traffic backing up and then the police cars I assumed there had been an accident.
"The queue of traffic was moving slowly because part of the road was blocked and as I passed one of the police cars I was amazed to see one officer kneeling over what looked like a swan.
"The bird was covered with a blanket by the side of the road, but didn't seem to be hurt."
Mr Ewels added: "One officer managed to calm the swan and carry it to water where it flew off."