Officers were called to the Barton and Broughton areas of Preston yesterday (October 30) following reports of ‘howling wolves roaming the neighbourhood’Jon Macpherson Chief Reporter, Stephen Topping Senior reporter and Kathryn Riddell Multimedia Journalist
19:46, 31 Oct 2025
The animals in the back of a police van(Image: Lancashire Police)
Three mysterious ‘wolf-type creatures’ have been spotted prowling the streets of a Lancashire community. Police were deployed to the Barton and Broughton areas of Preston on Thursday (October 30) after reports emerged of ‘howling wolves roaming the neighbourhood’.
The exact species remains unclear, with Lancashire Police describing them only as ‘wolf-type’. Residents on the local Facebook group ‘This is Broughton’ have been speculating about their identity, with suggestions ranging from ‘coyotes or golden jackals’ to wolfdogs.
The creatures were sighted on Station Lane, Hollowforth Lane and Eaves Lane in recent days. Officers responded to the area and successfully captured all three animals.
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They have since been relocated to a ‘safe location’ whilst investigations continue into ‘what type of animal they are’, Manchester Evening News reports.
In a statement released on Thursday 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.”
The ‘wolf-type’ animals(Image: Facebook: Homeward Bound)
Officers shared a photograph of the animals in the rear of a vehicle, 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! !”.
Responding to the update, one person 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 posted: “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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