POLICE have shut down rumours of people 'stealing swans to eat them'.

A photo of a man handling a swan at Winsford Marina has been circulated on social media in recent days.

Various media outlets, including The European Conservative and The Noticer, have since reported that the bird 'was being stolen to be eaten'.

However, Winsford Police have said there is ‘absolutely no evidence that this is the case’.

A spokesperson said: “As is often the case with social media posts, they spread far and wide and certain groups use the information to put their own spin on events without having any evidence at all to back up what they are saying.

“A lot of people then believe what they are reading as fact, when in reality that isn't the case.

“These groups put their own spin on stories to generate likes and shares, to promote themselves, and to cause harm and disruption to communities that they don't live in, and have no association with.”

They added: “The information that we have so far is that a male grabbed a swan by its neck and picked it up.

“It looks like this was done to have a picture taken before the bird was put down.

“If you believe some of the stories circulating, the swans are being stolen so that they can be eaten.

“There is absolutely no evidence that this is the case, and anybody commenting or sharing such stories is doing nothing more than harming the Winsford community.”

Police have carried out patrols at Winsford MarinaPolice have carried out patrols at Winsford Marina (Image: Winsford Police)

Winsford BEAT officers carried out patrols of the Marina on Sunday (November 24).

Sadly, a dead swan was found, however, this is believed to be the result of a fox attack.

“People have already started to link this dead swan to the male who picked one up a few days ago,” the spokesperson continued.

“There is absolutely no evidence that a person is responsible for the death of these birds at the marina, and we would urge people to stop spreading rumours, as it does nothing to help our town.”

Officers covered up the swan and arranged for it to be recovered by a wildlife charity.