Mystery of 'kidnapped' swan named after NCFC winger solved

A young swan was reported to Norfolk Wildlife Rescue after it was found in the road on Mousehold Lane near Homebase in Sprowston on Tuesday.

Dubbed Onel Swanandez by curious locals - in tribute to the darting runs of popular Norwich City winger Onel Hernandez - the bird caused quite a stir on the roads.

Drivers approaching the traffic lights where Gurney Road meets Salhouse Road were having to stop while the swan wandered in and out of traffic, despite bystanders' best efforts.  

Police were even seen trying to keep him out of the road but with little luck.  

The young swan was seen walking in the road just before his rescue (Image: Submitted)

Norfolk Wildlife Rescue’s Kevin Murphy had been called and was on his way to the scene but was told his target had been bundled into a car shortly before his arrival, leaving him concerned.

However, it has emerged that a volunteer from Hallswood Animal Sanctuary had driven by and jumped into action.

A spokeswoman for Hallswood, which is based at Stratton Strawless, said: “The person who picked up the bird is one of our volunteers and is very experienced, which was explained to the bystander. 

“The swan is a displaced juvenile that had landed on the wet road thinking it was a waterway.  

“This is common in bad weather.” 

Norwich City winger Onel Hernandez (Image: PA Wire)

After landing on a road a swan often cannot fly away as they need open water to be able to take off safely.  

Once away from the area the volunteer was able to assess Swanandez. 

The spokeswoman continued: “She determined that the swan was uninjured, a good weight and healthy.  

“She also confirmed the swan was showing no signs of avian influenza.” 

The mystery of the kidnap of 'Onel Swanandez' has been solved (Image: Submitted)

He was then taken to a waterway in a private section of the Wensum river where there are no territorial birds.  

“This is the correct approach and the area he was released in has been used as a safe release site for the RSPCA," added the spokeswoman.

“It's a beautiful part of the river away from the public and regularly fed by landowners.” 

The Hallswood volunteer checked the swan over and determined he was fit and healthy, then released him (Image: Submitted)