A baby swan injured in a brutal dog attack is on its way to recovery after a firefighter dived to its rescue.

The dramatic rescue attempt went ahead after the cygnet was seriously injured in a brutal dog attack at a Tonbridge park last week.

The RSPCA were called to Haysden Country park in Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge, on Thursday, June 26, after members of the public spotted a baby swan with a deep puncture wood in its neck.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said: “This poor little bird was suffering a great deal and struggling to survive. The wound was incredibly nasty and preventing him from feeding.

Because the bird’s mother and father were extremely protective of their young, it was very difficult to reach the cygnet in order to take him for treatment and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service had to be called.

A water team consisting of Mike Steam, Jeff Horton, Steve Francis and Stephen Brett had to go out on a boat to separate the parents from the young using booms.

The dramatic rescue culminated with one of the firefighters, Mr Horton, diving off the boat and into the water to catch the seriously injured cygnet.

Rachel said: “There was no doubt he needed urgent attention, but it was extremely difficult to get to him because of the fiercely protective parents who did not realise we were there to help.

“I am incredibly grateful to the fire service, which did an incredible job of catching him under difficult circumstances - the dive into the water was really above and beyond.”

The baby bird, which was found with its mother, father and four siblings, was rushed to nearby Broadwater Forest Wildlife Hospital, where the vet confirmed the deep gash was likely to have been caused by a dog bite.

Thanks to Jeff's fearless action the baby bird is now well on the way to recovery.

The RSPCA's Katya Mira said: “The cygnet is doing well. The swelling has gone down a bit and he’s started to feed for himself.

"The rehab will be a long haul for this little one, though, as he now needs to be hand reared. He is likely to go to the Swan Sanctuary for a while when he is over this initial treatment.”

The animal charity urged dog owners to keep their animals on leads when near wildlife.

Rachel said: “The message here is very clear - dog owners need to keep their pets under control, ideally on a lead, when near wildlife.

“Legally dog owners should have charge and control of their animals in a public place. You may think your dog is well behaved and would never chase or attack wildlife but you do not know how your dog will react if a wild animal was close by.

“Some other wildlife is protected by law and you could face prosecution if your dog attacks and injures or kills the animal.”