AN adventurous swan was rescued by police after ending up on a busy road on Monday morning.

The animal posed a risk to other road users and was in danger itself after wandering onto Mersey Gateway bridge.

Cheshire Police closed the bridge to traffic in order to rescue the swan and take it to safety at Spike Island.

Officers then posted a comedic social media post stating that the swan was ‘released without charge’.

The force’s Runcorn Police team said: “B Block response was deployed to a grade one (or should I say grade swan) on Mersey Gateway towards Widnes.

“This followed reports of a bridge crosser not paying his toll fare. He was described as two feet tall with a long, slender neck and an orange and black bill.

“After a short foot pursuit, officers managed to catch that pesky swan and secure him in our cell van.

“If he could talk, I bet he would be saying ‘haven’t you ever taken a shortcut before’.

“The swan has been safely dropped off at Spike Island, where he was released without charge.”