A Canada goose and a swan had to be rescued by the RSPCA after getting tangled in a fishing line on the banks of the River Orwell in Ipswich.

RSPCA officers were called to The Strand, to the south of the town, by a member of the public as the birds appeared lethargic.

Animal rescue officer Emma Baker attended the scene and freed the birds.

She said: "It’s just heartbreaking to think these poor birds were stuck as a result of someone not disposing of a fishing line correctly. 

"When I attended the location I discovered the birds and found they were both trapped by the same long fishing line.

Ipswich Star: The line discovered by the RSPCA in IpswichThe line discovered by the RSPCA in Ipswich (Image: RSPCA)

"I managed to cut the swan free and they moved away instantly back to the  other swans. I then cut the goose free and the bird also proceeded to the water calling to their friends and had a much needed drink.

"We are grateful to the members of the public who reported this to us."

The RSPCA has urged fishers to dipose of their lines correctly as they can be dangerous to animals.