Swans rescued from crash diesel

The swan with her cygnets recovering at the wildlife centre

Five swans are being treated at a wildlife centre after being rescued from a pond contaminated with diesel fuel oil from a road crash.

The RSPCA rescued the birds from the pond in Swan Haven Park, on Crestwood Road in Northampton.

The Environment Agency put out booms to contain the oil but they were removed and the oil spread affecting the swans.

The adult pair of birds and their three cygnets are being cared for at East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk.

An RSPCA spokesman said although diesel is very corrosive and can cause severe skin burns, the swan family were caught before it could do too much damage and they should make a full recovery.

He said: "We haven't seen any more affected birds in the area, although the pond is popular with coots, moorhens and ducks.

"The RSPCA totally condemns the removal of the booms as it means that more wildlife could be affected by the spill.

"We hope to go back to the area in the near future and clear some of the litter from the pond.

"People have thrown all sorts of debris into the water which could also pose a threat to more wild birds."