A SECOND of the iconic Dawlish black swans has ingested a fishing line.

This is the second time in just 24 hours and town council bosses are warning ‘the next incident could be fatal’.

Both times the swans were saved by the town’s waterfowl wardens.

A town council spokesman said: ‘Thank you to the person who contacted our Waterfowl Wardens yesterday afternoon.

‘Please be mindful if you see any fishing line laying about along the Brook or Lawn areas.’

Fishing is banned in the Brook unless a special licence is authorised by Devon County Council.

The first swan was found in distress by one of the wardens.

It had ingested the fishing line, but that fishing line was attached to a hook which was still attached to a fish.

The spokesman said: ‘While this may sound amusing, it could have resulted in the death of the Black Swan and the fish.’

The town council has issued a strongly worded reminder that fishing is banned on the Brook.

It has asked that if someone is seen fishing there, to report it to the Waterfowl Wardens at: 07979 836300 or Devon-Cornwall Police (non-emergency) 101 or the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.

The spokesman added: 'We greatly appreciate your support and help protecting our local wildlife. Thank you.’