Swan rescued after causing gridlock on the M3

A former zookeeper rescued a swan from one of Belfast's busiest rush-hour motorways this morning - his second in a week.

Journalist Andrew Johnston was contacted by a friend at 8.30am about the stranded swan causing gridlock on the Sydenham Bypass.

Armed with a tartan blanket and some food, he too became caught up in the tailback before spotting two police officers attempting to move the lone bird.

"It was quite frustrating not being able to get to the swan due to the traffic but I eventually got close. The policemen had moved her into a fenced area but by the time I got there she had escaped onto the motorway again," he said.

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"She was fine and I used my blanket to put her into my car. It was all done and dusted in about five minutes. I took her to the vet and she was not harmed."

Andrew has rescued four stray swans this year, along with foxes, geese, gulls, pigeons and dogs.

"My friend Debbie Nelson is a professional wildlife rescuer and is the closest thing to a Debbie Dolittle. When she's busy I get a text and go out to do the rescues. I enjoy it – I rescued another swan in Ballyclare this week. Some people say they can be vicious but they were very good."