AN INJURED swan will need surgery after a fishing hook weight has been embedded in its neck.

The swan, which has so far evaded capture from police officers and the south Essex Wildlife Hospital at Gloucester Park in Basildon, has had a fishing hook weight, with the line dangling, stuck in its neck.

Essex Police, the RSPCA, and the wildlife hospital, have all urged visitors to the park to not "overfeed" the bird, as the hospital will use food to try and capture the swan in further attempts.

Two youngsters, Arley and Roman, and their mum, alerted police officers on patrol to the swan this morning.

Police say the swan is in no immediate danger.

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A spokesman for Essex Police, said: "While on patrol at Gloucester Park, Basildon, PCSO's came across a family who were concerned and pointed out swan who has a fishing hook weight imbedded in its neck.

"PCSO Grant has contacted The South Essex Wildlife Hospital who are aware and have made attempts at catching the swan, however to date it has managed to evade capture.

"Please note the hospital, along with the RSPCA, will endeavour to make further attempts and they have requested that public do not overfeed the swan as attempts by the teams are often used by enticing them with food.

"The swan is in no immediate danger and is with it's mate, however when caught the hook will need to be surgically removed."