Police are trying to determine what type of animal they are
The animals in the back of a police van(Image: Lancashire Police)
Three ‘wolf-type animals’ have been spotted roaming the streets of Lancashire.
Police were called out to the Barton and Broughton areas of Preston yesterday (October 30) following reports of ‘howling wolves roaming the neighbourhood’.
There is uncertainty over what type of animal they are, with Lancashire Police describing them as ‘wolf-type’.
Speculation on a local Facebook group called ‘This is Broughton’ suggested they could be ‘coyotes or golden jackals’, while another commenter thought they may be wolfdogs.
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The animals were seen on Station Lane, Hollowforth Lane and Eaves Lane in recent days. Officers attended the area and secured the three animals, Lancs Live reports.
They have all be taken to a ‘safe location’ and enquiries as to ‘what type of animal they are’ are ongoing.
In a statement issued 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.
The animals seen roaming Preston(Image: Facebook: Homeward Bound)
“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.”
Police shared a picture of the animals in the back of a van, adding: “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!!”
Commenting on the post, one person said: “It was me that called the police and these were not wolves. They looked wolf like but were walking on their hind legs.”
Another wrote: “So glad they’ve finally been rescued, poor things. Why they hadn’t been rescued sooner.”
In a post on the Homeward Bound group, Wendy Mulela said: “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.”