Swan struck and killed by vehicle as police issue appeal to trace driver

Isabelle Bates
·1-min read
A general image of a swan and cygnet
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Police have launched an appeal for information after a swan was struck down and killed on a Staffordshire road. The animal was found dead on Flaxman Close in Barlaston.

And officers are now asking for any witnesses to come forward as they investigate what happened. Police have also requested any relevant CCTV footage be sent to them.

The grim incident happened at around 2pm on Sunday, November 24. A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We are appealing for information after a swan was struck and killed by a vehicle in Barlaston.

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"It happened at around 2pm, on Flaxman Close, on Sunday (24 November). Witnesses are urged to contact us with any information they have, including CCTV or dashcam footage, of the area at the time.

"Please contact lisa.powell@staffordshire.police.uk, call 101, or use our Live Chat facility, quoting reference number 228 of 28 November. To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

According to the Gov website, you must stop and report an accident to the police if you hit one of these animals:

  • dogs

  • horses

  • cattle, eg cows

  • pigs

  • goats

  • sheep

  • donkeys and mules

They added: "You can report any dead animals you find on the road to the local council. This includes wild animals like badgers and foxes, as well as domestic pets such as cats and dogs."

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