WARNING: The pictures include graphic images of the swan's injuries

A SWAN suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car in the city centre.

Police blocked off Newport Street this morning (February 4) while awaiting the arrival of Wychbold Swan Rescue (WSR) volunteers, with the male swan initially trapped under the vehicle.

The swan is believed to have been struck as the car came out of Newport House car park at around 9.30am and was taken to a vet in Claines after initial treatment at the scene.

John Stuart, of WSR, who responded to the incident having been called by police, said the swan had suffered injuries to his body and beak, and required stitches.

He said it was stuck underneath the car and had to be freed carefully, as "he was capable of getting up and walking off".

However, Mr Stuart said he should make a good recovery.

“When there’s a lot of blood, you tend to think the worst, but he should be okay,” he said.

“One or two parts of his body needed stitching up. The worst injuries were to his belly and beak. We took him straight to there [the vets] to treat his injuries. ”

He said the swan has been given antibiotics and painkillers and once he’s discharged from the vets, will go on to the WSR base to be nursed back to health by Jan Harrigan and her team.

Two or three police officers were at the scene when Mr Stuart arrived, he said, and they had used their police car to block the road.

An eyewitness told the Worcester News he saw police covering something over with a sheet which appeared to be a body, as he drove past.

Mr Stuart wanted to thank the police and fire service for their help.