A SWAN ventured off from the River Itchen and onto a busy city centre road.

Concerned members of the public stopped to help a distressed swan wandering down The Broadway by the King Alfred Statue over the bank holiday weekend.

Hampshire Chronicle: Swan ventures off from its usual home to Winchester City Centre. Image: Brian Cooper

Brian Cooper, from South Wonston, was in the city doing some nature photography at Winnall Moors when he spotted a man trying to usher the swan away from the road.

Eventually, the police came to the rescue and directed the swan to the safety of Abbey Gardens.

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Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester police officers with the swan in Abbey Gardens

Brian, 46, said: “I thought it was a bit odd to start off with that there was a swan wandering around in the middle of the road but maybe something had spooked it.

“Car kept stopping and beeping their horns. I wanted to help because the poor bird was stressed and out and I didn’t want to see it get injured.

“Once in Abbey Gardens we watched the swan for a while and the police have confirmed it is safe.”

The keen wildlife photographer recalls spending around 15 to 20 minutes trying to guide the swan to safety with police officers and another member of the public.