Hampstead Heath's 'widow swan' reunited with family after recovering from critical dog attack injuries

Hampstead Heath’s “widow swan” has been reunited with her partner after recovering from critical injuries sustained in a dog attack.

Known as Mrs Newbie, the majestic swan captured headlines in June when she had seven cygnets after finding love in lockdown, four years after being widowed.

She had loyally rejected all potential suitors since her first mate died flying into a building, but found a new partner in a swan named Wallace.

But last month Mrs Newbie was critically injured protecting the couple's young brood from a dog attack at Highgate Number One pond.

She sustained a wound to her side, was rushed for specialist support at the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton - where Mrs Newbie and Wallace originally met - and the Heath's authorities launched an investigation.

The sanctuary was "hopeful" Mrs Newbie would "pull through", but it was not a guarantee as dog bites are infectious.

Her fans were relieved to hear on Tuesday that she had recovered and been reunited with Wallace, who had been caring for the cygnets in her absence.

Posting a picture of the pair looking towards each other and forming a heart shape, the City of London Corporation’s Heath Twitter account said: "Lovely to see our Highgate swan family reunited after the female’s recovery from a dog attack... Thanks to Swan Sanctuary for looking after her and Louisa Green for the pic."

The body also urged dog owners to keep their pets under control while enjoying the Heath, adding: "The dog swim area has since been reduced as a safety measure- please keep dogs under control.