North London residents were left furious after two men reportedly tried to steal swans from a lake in Victoria Park.
The apparent attempt to make off with the swans was spotted by a sharp-eyed local on Wednesday (September 1) at Pymmes Park in Edmonton.
The witness wrote on a community page to alert others: “At 13:15 this afternoon. Two men in their 30s. One wearing all black. The other in jeans & hoody.”
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Describing the incident, they said the men were “on the mound at the lake”, adding that they “surrounded Pymmes Park swans on ledge, had bread, went to grab”.
The incident occurred in broad daylight at Pymmes Park
(Image: Northmetpit via Wikimedia Commons)
“Person on her own with dogs approached them and told them off,” they added.
The men were reportedly last seen leaving the park out of Victoria Road gates.
The post ended: “If you see any suspicious people trying to steal any birds call 999 immediately.
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“Please also take a photo if possible. It is a crime to steal or hurt swans and they will be prosecuted.”
Locals were outraged at the incident, as Pymmes Park is known for its stunning lakes and beautiful swans.
One wrote: “I’ve heard of this happening before…just awful…makes me so angry.”
This isn’t the first incident of its kind in London.
Last month that a swan was found shot dead in Southmere Lake, Thamesmead, after a horrendous attack.
The police said at the time: “On 26/07/21 a swan was found dead at Southmere Lake with a gunshot wound to the head.
“The swan was recovered under the foot bridge near Bazalgette Way, SE2.”
Killing a swan is widely regarded to be an act of treason, as swans in England are owned by Queen Elizabeth II herself.
The law of her ownership was created when the birds were eaten at royal banquets, and though they are no longer eaten, they remain a protected species.
It is against the law to steal, injure or kill a swan, and even to steal swan eggs.
But the Law Commission says that the Queen in fact only actually owns all wild, unmarked mute swans – and she only exercises her rights to them in the Thames area.
When it comes to treason, the Law Commission has clarified that the killing of swans “has never been an act treason”.
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