A team of firefighters were needed to rescue a couple of swans that had got their heads stuck in a canal lock gate.

London Fire Brigade were called to the gates in the River Lea, on the Walthamstow border, at 4pm yesterday afternoon (October 13).

The swans had been in the water for some time and were distressed and tired after getting stuck in the lock trying to escape.

16 firefighters took just minutes to attach ropes to the swans’ necks and to fit them back through the holes.

The birds have been moved to the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton to continue their recovery.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "The swans were ok but distressed and tired. There is no way they would have freed themselves without our assistance.

"Our attendance also prevented any well meaning member putting themselves at risk."