WARNING: Distressing image of the scene in Salford below
13:47, 26 Jun 2026Updated 13:52, 26 Jun 2026
The remaining male swan and his cygnets(Image: MEN)
The death of a female swan in front of her mate and their cygnets is being investigated by police.
The bird was hit and run over by a car near a car park close to a pond at a popular beauty spot in Salford. Police have now issued an appeal for the public’s help – describing it as an ‘awful incident’. It’s understood the car involved, possibly a Ford, didn’t stop at the scene and drove away in the aftermath.
An upsetting photograph showing the dead swan lying on the road with her mate and their brood of six cygnets, together with a car in the background, is being shared widely on social media.
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The tragedy has sparked anger and outrage in the community, with people flocking to the scene to check on the male swan and the cygnets. It happened at Queensmere Dam, off Queensway in Swinton.
The lake and the fish in it are managed by the Swinton and Pendlebury Anglers club. Club bailiff Jay Dixon said: “We have had thousands and thousands of messages about this. It is shocking. I just do not understand it. You cannot miss a large swan.”
The female swan on the road(Image: Swinton and Pendlebury Anglers)
He said the swans hailed from a lake in Newton-le-Willows but settled in Swinton around five years ago, and the incident was reported on Monday morning. “They have both bred very successfully over the years,” said Jay.
“But last year, unfortunately, bird flu killed the cygnets and now this has happened. Everyone is really upset about it. The swans are very much loved. People come and sit here and watch them and feed them all the time.”
Swans at Queensmere Dam in Swinton after a swan was killed by a car
The male swan and the cygnets are all said to be doing well.
In a post on Facebook, GMP Salford confirmed an investigation was underway. Police said: “We are aware of an incident that occurred recently involving the sad death of a swan at Queensmere Dam, Queensway, Swinton. Local officers are investigating this matter and continue to do so, but ask for the public’s help to identify the suspect involved.
The remaining male with the cygnets(Image: MEN)
“We are aware of lots of talk on social media and people using AI tools to try and obtain a registration of the vehicle involved from a picture taken, however it is clear that the registrations obtained are incorrect, with numerous different registrations produced.
“We are asking that anyone with any information, particularly people who witnessed the awful incident or have any other information to assist, to contact GMP. We are continuing with other enquiries, including reviewing CCTV in the area, however we need the help of the local community to identify the person responsible.
“Alternatively if you are reading this post and are responsible for this sad incident, please call us. We understand how upsetting this has been for the community, which is why we are asking for your help. We would also like to pass on our thanks to those of you who have continued to check on the remaining swan and cygnets and for providing reassuring updates on them.”