A family of swans have been moved out of a Wiltshire road by armed police.
Firearms officers grabbed their ballistic shields to tackle the anti-social birds in Mill Lane, near Wichelstowe, this afternoon (Saturday).
A pair of mute swans, and seven cygnets, had decided to block the busy route – which links Swindon and Wroughton.
Swans can be territorial and aggressive, especially during nesting season when they fiercely protect their young.
While serious injuries to people are rare, swans have been known to chase, peck, and even knock over individuals who venture too close, potentially causing minor injuries or falls.
The armed officers, who attend routine calls when they are not deployed at a firearms incident, managed to shepherd the birds to the nearby pond.
It’s understood all nine swans were moved successfully and no birds – or humans – were injured in the process.
It’s not the first time this family have caused road issues locally – they were recently spotted sitting in the road outside Waitrose, causing an obstruction.
