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A picture of a policeman on the Isle of Wight using a riot shield to help a swan to safety has become an internet hit.
It was posted on facebook yesterday (Sunday) and already hundreds of people have shared the picture.
It was also tweeted (@iwgirlcyclist).
PC Scott Cooper of Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol teams (TPT) said:
“As a police officer, you never know exactly when you may have to react and come face-to-face with the unexpected and unusual. I was on patrol in Newport town centre when an out-of-the ordinary call for assistance came over the radio.
“A swan had been reported in the middle of Newport High Street posing a potential hazard to traffic.
“A police officer must be ready at all times to adapt and improvise to any circumstances. Our public order shields were not designed with wildlife in mind, but the sound of me striking the shield certainly helped to bring this bird back into line.
“We were able to take the swan safely to Newport Quay where it was reunited with what we believe was its mate. I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and sense of humour in helping the police solve this most fowl disruption to the community.”
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