DETECTIVES have laun-ched an investigation after a live swan was seen in the back of a car travelling through Worcester.

A member of the public told the police that the bird was seen in the hatchback part of a grey Peugeot 306 in Hylton Road just after 5pm last Friday.

A spokesman for Worc-ester Police, who appealed for information last night, said: "The vehicle was being driven by a man thought to be approximately 25 years old. A male passenger, of the around the same age, was also in the vehicle. The car was being driven along Hylton Road in the direction of Hallow."

Checks were made with the Swan Rescue organisation, which confirmed that they had no one transporting, or dealing with, swans at that time.

The police spokesman said: "Apart from the illegality of taking swans, it is extremely unwise to take wild animals from their natural environment as this may cause distress and may create danger for those around them."

Members of the community who may have seen the vehicle, or know of its whereabouts or know the whereabouts of the swan, are asked to contact Worcester Police on 08457 444888, quoting incident number 382S/190805.

They would like to hear also from the driver or passenger in the Peugeot car, if only to be able to eliminate them from enquiries.