Police were called to the area after reports of the ‘wolf-type animals’ roaming the neighbourhood
Members of the local Facebook group speculated they could be ‘coyotes or golden jackals'(Image: Facebook: Homeward Bound)
Three mysterious ‘wolf-type animals’ have been spotted roaming residential streets in a UK town. Police were called to the Barton and Broughton areas of Preston on Thursday, October 30 after reports of ‘howling wolves roaming the neighbourhood’. Lancashire Police described the creatures as ‘wolf-type’, though their exact species remains unknown.
Members of the local Facebook group ‘This is Broughton’ speculated they could be ‘coyotes or golden jackals’, whilst another resident suggested they might be wolfdogs. The animals were sighted on Station Lane, Hollowforth Lane and Eaves Lane in recent days.
Officers attended and successfully secured all three creatures, Manchester Evening News reports.
They have been taken to a ‘safe location’ whilst investigations continue to determine ‘what type of animal they are’.
The animals in the back of a police van(Image: Lancashire Police)
In a statement released last night, a force spokesperson said: “You may have seen some speculation online about some animals found in the Barton area of Preston earlier today, and we want to provide you with some context.
“At around 4.15pm we received a report of what were thought to be wolf-type animals roaming in the Station Lane area.
“Officers, including our specially trained dog handlers attended, and the three animals have been secured and taken to a safe location. Enquiries into what type of animal they are, are ongoing, and once those enquiries have been conducted, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities.
“We know this might have caused some discussion in the community, so we thought it important to provide you with this update and reassure you that there is not thought to be any risk to the public. Thank you to those who made reports to us or provided us with information or footage this afternoon.”
Officers shared an image of the creatures in the rear of a vehicle, stating: “Tonight our officers responded to howling reports of wolves roaming the neighbourhood.
“After a thorough search (and a few goosebumps) we can confirm a pack of trick or treaters were (wolf) located. They are now safe and sound in bed. Happy Howwwlaween! !”.
Responding to the update, one individual commented: “It was me that called the police and these were not wolves. They looked wolf like but were walking on their hind legs.”
Another added: “So glad they’ve finally been rescued, poor things. Why they hadn’t been rescued sooner.”
Writing on the Homeward Bound group, Wendy Mulela stated: “Thanks to Wendy for contacting me earlier regarding speculation about what species these animals could be, seen near Honeywell’s Meats, Broughton/Barton area. As the wild wolf is not indigenous to the UK, these are more likely to be hybrid breeds of Wolfdogs.
“Though I agree, they do look unkempt. We have just received news that the police have safely caught the dogs and they are now in a safe location. Thank you for everyone’s concern and to Wendy for the video and keeping me updated.”
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