‘Widow swan’ wounded in suspected dog attack

HAMPSTEAD Heath’s “widow swan” has been critically injured protecting her brood in a reported dog attack.

An investigation is under way after the incident on Monday at about 4.30pm at Highgate Number One pond, which left the bird with a wound to her side.

Known as Mrs Newbie, she captured headlines last month when she had cygnets after finding love in lockdown, four years after being widowed.

She had loyally rejected all potential suitors since her first mate died flying into a building, but found a new partner in Wallace.

The couple were introduced at Shepperton

Swan Sanctuary, where they were recovering from injuries, and were released back onto the Heath together. Seven weeks ago they welcomed seven cygnets.

Mrs Newbie is now back at the sanctuary in a critical condition, while Wallace cares for the cygnets. Steve Knight, a trustee of the sanctuary, said: “We are hopeful she will pull though but we don’t know for sure. Dog bites are very infectious.”

The City of London Corporation’s Heath Twitter account said in an appeal: “If you have any information or if you’re the owner of the dog, please contact us.”