Police have issued a statement about the animals
Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, Money and lifestyle hub
09:56, 31 Oct 2025
Two of the animals seized by police after being found wandering the streets
‘Wolf-like animals’ were seen stalking the streets of a UK town before police intervened. The three creatures were seen by witnesses in the Barton area of Preston.
Specialist officers were called in to secure the animals amid intense speculation over what they were. The sightings had sparked a flurry of comment online as questions were raised about what the animals were doing running loose.
A statement from Preston Police 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 force added in a further update: “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!!” One local, Katie Riley, responded to the police Facebook to say: “They looked like wolves or coyotes – absolutely mental.”
Another, Coralie Taylor, said: “They are beautiful but look like hybrid wolves dog cross timber wolves. They look starving.”
Zoe Pearce added: “Wolf dogs are sadly becoming the ‘new’ fad nowadays.”