Swan with beak tangled in fishing line rescued in Corby

The line was wrapped around the swan's beak

A young swan has been rescued after discarded fishing line became tangled around its beak.

The distressed cygnet was spotted in Corby, Northamptonshire, by a member of the public, who called the RSPCA.

It took two officers several attempts to catch the bird in a pond in Boughton Road before the line could be removed.

The charity said it had been dealing with a "worrying number" of similar incidents and urged anglers to make sure they cleared up after themselves.

One of the animal welfare officers, Jack Curran, said: "We don't know how long this poor swan was left to struggle like this.

"Members of the public told us they had seen the swan gasping for breath at different times.

"The fishing line was wrapped just above his throat and round his beak and was starting to affect his ability to eat and drink properly."

RSPCA officers removed the line, which was covered in weeds

After the fishing wire had been cut away, the swan was checked over before being released back into the pond to be with its family.

Mr Curran added a "worrying" number of incidents were happening every year where animals were "terribly impacted" by litter.

He said: "The majority of anglers dispose of these items properly but it's frustrating that those who don't may not realise the danger they pose."

The swan kept flying away but it was eventually caught by the officers

The RSPCA urged people who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust's Take 5 campaign.

Members of the public have been asked to pick up discarded fishing litter safely and put it in the bin.