ANIMAL welfare experts have praised a community for their gallant, but ultimately vain efforts, to save a stricken swan found injured on a terraced street.

The bird was found with a damaged wing in Edith Street, Audley , Blackburn at around and was seemingly unable to fly away.

Resident Ali Jesat saw the bird tumble to the ground from a nearby rooftop, possibly after crash landing elsewhere.

He enlisted the help of local councillor Salim Sidat who contacted the relevant authorities.

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He said: "Ali had kept people from getting too close to the bird and we called the RSPCA.

"It had obviously injured its wing but it didn't seem distressed and was alert and looking around.

"We gave it some water and it drank a little. The RSPCA officers came quite quickly and were very professional, taking it away in a harness."

Leanne Plumtree, from the RSPCA, said: "The RSPCA was contacted about an injured swan in Edith Street, Blackburn on Thursday morning.

"An officer attended but sadly one of the swan's wings was badly broken and the bird was put to sleep by a vet.

"We don't know what the cause of the injury was, the wing had twisted backwards so it may have been a crash landing but it is difficult to be sure.

"We are always grateful to members of the public for their vigilance in preventing unnecessary suffering to animals."

Councillor Sidat, added: "Everyone who saw this magnificent creature was hoping that something could be done to save her.

"Swans are beautiful, graceful birds so we were very saddened hear that the bird had to be put to sleep."