A young swan that got trapped in an area too small to take off was rescued after a passer-by took pity on it.

The bird - whose feathers show that it was not yet fully grown - was trapped between a fence topped with barbed wire and a tube line near Holland Road and One Tree Hill Park in Wembley.

A member of the public, who noticed that it was weak and lethargic, called the RSCPA on Saturday.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The young swan was trapped between a fence topped with barbed wire and a tube line and did not have enough room to take offThe young swan was trapped between a fence topped with barbed wire and a tube line and did not have enough room to take off (Image: RSPCA)

The animal welfare charity called in fire and rescue officers from London Fire Brigade to help get the swan to safety.

Inspector Mike Beaman, who attended the incident, said: “A member of the public spotted the swan by the fence looking lethargic and called us, thinking it was injured.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Firefighters use two ladders and tarpaulin to reach the area where the swan is trappedFirefighters use two ladders and tarpaulin to reach the area where the swan is trapped (Image: RSPCA)

“When I arrived, I realised the swan had got stuck between fencing for houses and the tube track and high trees, so had no space to take off.

“I called the local fire and rescue service for back-up and we managed to set two ladders up at either side of the fencing and lift the swan into my bag and hand her to me."

Brent & Kilburn Times: Firefighters on two ladders carry the swan over the fence in a sheet harnessFirefighters on two ladders carry the swan over the fence in a sheet harness (Image: RSPCA)

Mr Beaman carried the swan - a female - to safety and assessed her before setting her free.

Unfortunately, the bird did not hang around for a final photograph.

He added: “I checked her for injuries, before releasing her beside the nearby Grand Union Canal where she swam off at speed."

Stressing that emergencies involving people always take priority, he thanked firefighters for their help.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the London Fire Brigade for their assistance. We’re always incredibly grateful for any help we receive from them.

“We work very closely with the emergency services and their highly trained crews have assisted in many animal rescues over the years."

The RSPCA is out on the frontline across England and Wales rescuing animals from danger and suffering 365 days a year and are often their only hope. This winter the charity is asking people to join the Christmas rescue to help more animals in need like this swan.

Anyone who is concerned for the welfare of an animal or who sees an animal in distress should visit its website at www.rspca.org.uk.