Wembley: Swan rescued from supermarket roof in Ikea bag

Once Steve the swan was brought back down to earth it was checked over and found to be unhurt

A swan has been rescued from a London supermarket roof in an Ikea bag by a London Fire Brigade (LFB) rescue team.

The brigade said a swan sanctuary volunteer called them at 11:08 GMT on Wednesday after a member of the public spotted the bird from a block of flats.

The team used a 13.5m (44.3ft) ladder to reach the swan, which they called Steve, and alongside the volunteer helped secure the bird in the blue bag.

Once Steve was brought down it was checked over and found to be unhurt.

Once LFB rescuers reached the supermarket roof they could see how Steve became stranded

LFB station officer Ed Hawes said when the team arrived at the building in Wembley, north-west London, "we could see the swan didn't have enough room to take off".

Mr Hawes said Steve was double wrapped in the bag and after being checked for injuries "appeared unhurt", so firefighters were able to leave the bird "in the care of the volunteer".

LFB said: "Firefighters love animals and we are ready, willing and able to assist distressed or injured animals"

An LFB spokesperson added: "We always encourage people to call the RSPCA or another animal rescue organisation in the first instance and we will assist if our specialist equipment is required, as in this case.

"Firefighters love animals and we are ready, willing and able to assist distressed or injured animals - the last thing we want is for people to put themselves at risk rescuing an animal themselves."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]