Nesting swan found dead in park

Authorities are investigating after a nesting swan was found dead in a park.

The body of the bird was found in Albert Park, Middlesbrough, on 12 April and removed from the area by officers from Defra.

It was part of a pair and the remaining swan is trying to keep their eggs incubated on its own - a role usually divided between the parents.

Defra has not commented on claims locally the bird had been attacked by a dog.

The ongoing investigation is trying to establish the cause of death. The gender of the swan has not been confirmed.

Seth Elliott, who has lived next to the park for three years, described how it had been a "really sad day" discovering that one of the swans had died.

He said: "When spring comes round and people are actively out around the park more, it's exciting to see all the birds nesting.

"My son loves to feed the birds and we go most days to walk our dog so it's been a noticeable change.

"The remaining swan really seems to be trying alone - we've seen it turning its eggs and sitting on the eggs. We just hope the brood will thrive against the odds."

A Middlesbrough Council spokesperson said it was awaiting results from Defra "about the cause of the swan's death".

Defra confirmed it was "looking into" the death as part of its wild bird surveillance programme.

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