Swan shown desperately trying to save companion in filthy, mud-filled river

Warning: This video contains upsetting images of animals

A swan was filmed trying to save its companion from drowning in a dirty river used as a dumping ground by fly-tippers.

The rescue attempt was witnessed by Craig Norman after he heard a group of people screaming on the banks of the River Freshney in Grimbsy, Lincs.

He saw one adult swan struggling to reach seven cygnets while another adult sank in the swamp.

The adult returned to use its beak to hold the drowning swan’s head above the mud.

“I was concentrating on the one that had freed itself and the babies but then I saw the other one that was drowning,” said Craig.

“We were all trying to get down the back to help but we couldn’t do anything.

“It looked like the one swan was trying to get the other one out of the mud – we were all in shock watching it from the river bank.”

Mr Norman, who has cycled along the river for years, said he had seen household appliances thrown into the river at this section.

He said: “People do throw things in there – it’s not nice for the swans.

“Which is why I shared the video because it’s pretty shocking.”

Mr Norman stopped filming to run across a nearby bridge to try and help the struggling birds.

Shortly afterwards he saw three adult male swans and seven babies swimming away in clear water.

It was unclear what had happened to the drowning swan.

SWNS