'Suspicious' swan deaths in canal raise concern

TWO swans and a duck have been found dead in mysterious circumstances close to the new Forge Island development.

The birds lay lifeless in the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal, adjacent to Rotherham Central station, this morning (December 8), leaving residents questioning how they came to be there.

One said it was “suspicious” that they were so close together at the water’s edge and wondered if they had been “dumped” them there.

However, avian flu cases have recently been reported in areas such as Derby, Poole, Colden Common and Dorchester.

The RSPB confirmed dead birds were being tested for the virus, which can cause sudden death, after being found in Wombwell and Askern, Doncaster.

Police have been approached for comment regarding any foul play involving the dead swans, while the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has alson been contacted.