Just a police officer casually trying to help a lost swan (Picture: Devizes Police / SWNS)

An iconic film scene came to life after police had to chase a swan lost on a dual carriageway.

The cygnet had been sat on the southbound carriageway of the A361, just north of Devizes, Wilts, on Friday.

It sparked comparisons to the 2007 film Hot Fuzz where Simon Pegg’s character was sent out to catch a swan.

The real-life rescue had a happy ending after police were able to block traffic and protect the bird.

It was taken into town in the back of a police van where it was released into water where it is now doing well.

It is hoped the swan will fly off once it has regained its strength.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Our proactive Roads Policing Unit thankfully came across this cygnet sitting on the southbound carriageway of the A361.

“Devizes Neighbourhood Team attended with a van and the swan was very deftly handled by the RPU sergeant, placed in the van, and released on The Crammer.”

It’s not the first time a bird has sent police on a wild goose chase.Hertfordshire’s finest had to deal with slippery surfaces when a swan gave them the slip on a busy A-road.

A swan also showed no fear when it stood up to traffic in Glasgow.

These cops showed they weren’t ‘swanning around’