Community heartbroken as swan killed in hit-and-run

The swan died when it was struck by a vehicle on a housing estate

A community has been left heartbroken after one of its resident swans was killed in a hit-and-run.

The animal was struck by a vehicle on Flaxman Close in Barlaston, Staffordshire, at about 14:00 GMT on Sunday and the driver failed to stop, Staffordshire Police said.

Residents said they were devastated as they had built a close relationship with the swans, which often leave the nearby lake to wander around the estate.

“There was just so much anger and people panicking to try and get the swan help. It was just utter madness,” Matt Todd told BBC Radio Stoke.

“It was heartbreaking because they’ve become almost ubiquitous on the estate. They leave the lake and wander around.

“They’re not harming anyone… everyone loves them.”

Matt Todd said the swan's death was "heartbreaking"

Resident Natasha Howells said the swans often “knock on the door” for food and would sometimes walk into her house if she leaves the door open.

“My daughter sits there and strokes them, they are just so friendly and tame,” she said.

“We’ve got this relationship now where they know where we live and they know which houses to knock on.”

She said she "couldn't believe it" when she found out one of the swans had been killed.

“We were absolutely gobsmacked,” she added.

'Be cautious'

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said the organisation was saddened to hear a swan had died in the incident.

“We would always urge people to be cautious when driving in an area with known wildlife and farm animals nearby and pay heed to warning signs indicating that wild animals may be around,” they added.

Staffordshire Police has urged anyone who has information or CCTV and dashcam footage to get in touch.