Firefighters helped rescue a swan that found itself stranded on the roof of a supermarket on Ealing Road in Wembley.

The Brigade was called by a volunteer from a swan sanctuary after the bird had initially been spotted by a member of the public from a neighbouring block of flats.

Station Officer Ed Hawes said: “When we arrived, we could see swan didn’t have enough room to take off. Using one of the Brigade’s 13.5 metre ladders, the crew was able to reach the swan safely. The volunteer from the swan sanctuary joined them on the roof and they were able to secure the swan and put it into a bag. That bag was then placed inside a larger bag and the swan was safely brought down to the ground level and checked for any injuries.

“Thankfully the swan, who we decided to name Steve, appeared unhurt and it was nice that we were able to leave it in the care of the volunteer.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson added: “Firefighters love animals and we are ready, willing and able to assist distressed or injured animals – the last thing we want is for people to put themselves at risk rescuing an animal themselves.

“We always encourage people to call the RSPCA or another animal rescue organisation in the first instance and we will assist if our specialist equipment is required, as in this case.”

The Brigade was called at 1108 and the incident was over for firefighters by 1139. A crew from Wembley Fire Station attended the scene.