Police investigate death of birds near canal in Runcorn
Date of alert:
Thursday, 16 June 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Cheshire Constabulary
POLICE are looking into the potential cause of birds dying close to a canal in Runcorn – with foul play not ruled out.
Officers were called to reports of the birds at an as-of-yet unnamed canal in the town yesterday, Wednesday.
Cheshire Police says a suspicious male was seen in the area beforehand, while anti-social behaviour could also be a factor.
Police are also not ruling out the possibility of bird flu, with the relevant authorities informed.
In an update, the force’s Rural Crime Team said: “I have been to the Runcorn area after concerns of dead birds found near to a canal.
“A suspicious male was seen in the area and also possible anti-social behaviour there too, so at this moment we are uncertain as to the possible cause of death.
“DEFRA has been informed due to possible bird flu as a cause of death, and although bird to human transmission is very low, correct PPE is needed to remove any dead wild birds.
