A COMMUNITY has turned detective after a family of swans vanished without a trace.

Farington residents began vigilantly watched the close-knit clan, nested beside a pond in Stanisfield Lane, when their cygnets were hatching last month.

But now, after weeks of hospitality, it appears the have swans flown the nest.

Farington councillor Fred Heyworth told the Citizen: "We are quite concerned.

"The cygnets can't fly yet so it is quite a worry."

The RSPCA has been called in to help find the absent swans.

RSPCA Inspector Andy Kench said: "Leyland Trucks staff said there was a group of swans wandering around. But by the time we got there, they had gone." He added: "There has talk that swans have been sold for £1,000. That's nonsense."

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