Government investigation launched after nine swans found dead in Stanley Park

The grisly discovery in the heart of Stanley Park was made on Tuesday.

The RSPCA and Blackpool Council’s park development team were called. Five dead swans - one of which appeared to have been deceased for some time - were removed and three sick ones were taken away for treatment.

Yesterday, two more dead swans were found.

And a further two were picked up by Blackpool Council at an unspecified time.

John Blackledge, Blackpool Council’s director of community and environmental services, said: “Sadly, a total of nine swans have died in the vicinity of Stanley Park lake after falling ill. We are working closely with the RSPCA and tests are being carried out to determine the cause of death.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is now investigating the cause of the mysterious deaths.

A spokesman for the department said: “We have been alerted to the death of a number of swans at one site in Blackpool, samples from the birds have been collected and investigations into the possible cause of death are in progress.”

Elaine Smith, head of the Friends of Stanley Park, said: “If this is nature taking its course then there will be nothing we can do. But if this is someone doing it, poisoning them, it’s absolutely appalling. Until we know how they have died, we don’t know what reaction to have.

“Even if it is natural, it's still very sad. The wildlife in Stanley Park has been thriving so far this year. The swans are an important part of the park, and this year we’ve had more swans than most places.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “The RSPCA is assisting DEFRA in dealing with a number of dead and sick birds at a lake in Blackpool. DEFRA is awaiting results of testing to establish what has caused the sickness."

Anyone who finds dead wild waterfowl, such as swans, geese or ducks, or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should report it to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.