Pond fishing line ordeal for swan

The swan was not hurt and was able to be released back into the pond

Fishermen who left more than 20m of fishing line, hook and float to become entangled around a swan have been condemned by wildlife rescue experts.

The bird was found in an agitated and distressed state at Pells Pond in Lewes, East Sussex.

Trevor Weeks, of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, came to the swan's aid but said the line was so long that he nearly tripped over it.

"This was the most distressed swan I have ever dealt with," he said.

'Don't fish'

The swan was not injured during the ordeal and was able to be released back into the pond.

Mr Weeks had to get into the water to free it, but managed to corner the bird and coax it up onto the bank.

He said it was not known if the hook and line had been picked up by the swan in Pells Pond, or elsewhere.

"But whoever left this behind deserves to be treated the same.

"I know a lot of fishermen fish responsibly - my message to those that don't is 'if you can't fish responsibly then don't fish at all'."