A family of nine swans were rescued from A31 after causing traffic chaos.

Nine swans including seven cygnets were rescued from the A31 near Wimborne Minster by Dorset Police and Wildlife Rescue Moyles Court after they had created a long line of traffic near Lake Gates roundabout. 

Taken off the road by Police, WRMC was called to the scene by Police who quickly assisted in collecting the family and taking them back to their veterinary practice.

Founder of WRMC, Mike Meeks, said: "We were on the scene 20 minutes after Police called and we found them on the verge partway down into a ditch on the side of the road. 

"I turned up, caught the cob and the pen and unbelievably they had seven signets with them. The Police did a good job in keeping them contained and they've come back to our wildlife hospital to be assessed and then we'll decide where they go."

Mike stated that none of the swans had been injured and that he was confused about how they had managed to get to the location, not close to any water. 

Often called out by Police, he said that he is grateful for their help, stopping traffic for him when required. 

He said: "None of them had any injuries, it was lucky they didn't get hit at all. They were slowly walking down the road, marching down the road and it must have been for some time and started at dawn when there wasn't much traffic about.

"Police do support us because they will come out and stop the traffic for me if I need it stopped as I'm really experienced at what I do and I know how do it."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 10.06am on Friday 24 May 2024 of two swans and eight cygnets in the road on the A31 near Lake Gates roundabout in Wimborne.

"Officers are in attendance and have notified a wildlife rescue partner agency."