A MISSION to rescue an injured swan which involved three fire engines, a boat and the RSPCA, was abandoned after rescuers spent more than an hour chasing the elusive bird.
The male mute swan had become entangled in discarded fishing lines at Fir Tree Flash in Leigh. Unfortunately the fishing line had then frozen in the water and, trapped by the legs, the bird could not free itself.
Firefighter Christopher Scott said: "At least two or three appliances from Eccles came along with the boat -- because they are required to accompany it."
Mr Scott said as soon they managed to free the fishing line from the ice the swan took off and a water chase began lasting more than an hour.
He said: "The swan wasn't really badly injured but it needed looking at."
Despite the rescue teams' best efforts they failed to catch the bird and decided to call it a day when the swan landed on a muddy area inaccessible by boat.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article