The RSPCA has launched an investigation after six cygnets were found dead covered in an unknown green substance in a canal in Leicester.

A member of the public called the animal charity after seeing the dead birds and their distressed mother in the Grand Union Canal near Abbey Park on Saturday.

An RSPCA officer took the dead cygnets away but left the mother, who also had a green substance on her, in the water as it was deemed to be the best course of action.

On the same day, another adult swan, which was also covered in a green substance, was rescued by firefighters nearby after being reported by a concerned member of the public.





The swan was in Willow Brook near the car park for B&M off Belgrave Circle.

The bird was covered in a green substance and believed to be distressed and possibly stuck near a storm drain.

Firefighters from Eastern station rescued the swan and handed it over to the RSPCA.

The swan is being cared for by the charity.

RSPCA pictures of a swan that was rescued after being found distressed and covered in a green substance in Willow Brook, Leicester

A RSPCA spokeswoman said: “The dead cygnets were found near Abbey Park Road in Leicester.

“We don’t know for sure why they are dead but they had a green substance on them so it could be that sadly they ingested it.

“We took the bodies away.

“The mother swan was left in the water but she wasn't stuck.

“She is in a really tricky spot and it's extremely difficult to reach her.

"As she is actually doing well and the substance is coming off her, it was decided that rather than take her to the hospital as well which would put her under a lot of stress, we would keep an eye on her for now.

Firefighter rescues adult swan near B&M car park

“She was in good health and seemed to be coping fine as the green substance is washing off.

“The swan rescued near B&M is being looked after at a nearby wildlife rescue - Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital.”

The RSPCA has appealed for the public to contact them if they know anything about the green substance.

“We have very little information about what happened or where the green substance might have come from,” said a charity spokeswoman.

“If anyone knows what it is then we would like to hear from them.”

The RSPCA can be contacted on 0300 123 4999.