WALTHAM FOREST: Man suspected of killing and eating swans

3:51pm Monday 3rd March 2008

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SWAN carcasses were found near the River Lea, on Waltham Forest's doorstep, following reports that a man was illegally killing and cooking the birds.

An RSPCA inspector and two police officers visited Tottenham Hale Lock, on Ferry Lane, last Wednesday morning (27), after a concerned passerby saw a pile of swan wings next to the river.

The passerby also said that he saw a man sitting in a tent nearby.

The inspector removed the carcasses, but the man was no longer there and there was no evidence he had been responsible for slaughtering the royal birds.

RSPCA Inspector Andrea Middleton said: "We received a report about a man allegedly eating swans in the Lea Valley area but I found no evidence of this when I arrived.

"Like other wild birds, swans are protected by law. Anyone who harms them can be punished by a fine or imprisonment.

"We are keen to investigate this case and will prosecute if we can gather enough evidence."

Contrary to some media reports, the swan carcasses were not found on the Olympic site but about three miles further north.

Access to the Olympic site is currently restricted to construction workers and Olympic officials.

Ms Middleton said:"We have passed the complaint onto the police who will also patrol the area and we are in talks with the landowner to see if they can take any action to protect the wildlife."

A Met Police spokesman said: "We understand that concerns had been expressed to the RSPCA regarding wildlife at the location.

"Officers attended solely to prevent any breach of the peace.

"The Met's Wildlife Crime Unit is in liaison with the local officers."

The mute swan has been a prized bird for many years.

It was given royal status in the 12th century and since then if a privately-owned swan escaped, it becomes the property of the Crown.

Anybody with information about the dead swans should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 in confidence.