Allerton Bywater police rescue family of trapped ducklings stuck inside a drain

Police in Allerton Bywater had an unusual story to tell this week, when they rescued a family of ducklings who had become trapped in a drain.
Police in Castleford had an unusual story to tell this week, when they rescued a family of ducklings who had become trapped in a drain. Photos: West Yorkshire PolicePolice in Castleford had an unusual story to tell this week, when they rescued a family of ducklings who had become trapped in a drain. Photos: West Yorkshire Police
Police in Castleford had an unusual story to tell this week, when they rescued a family of ducklings who had become trapped in a drain. Photos: West Yorkshire Police

The unnamed officers were patrolling in Allerton Bywater on Thursday morning when they noticed a duck and single duckling standing next to a grate.

On closer inspection, the officers discovered that six other ducklings had fallen through the grate and become stuck in the drain underneath.

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They then set about opening the grate to rescue the tiny animals.

After 10 minutes, the officers said they successfully fished the ducklings out of the drain, and managed to transfer them to a box so they could safely be transported to a local nature reserve.

Sharing the adventure in a Facebook post, the officers joked: "I can't remember that on the application form! It's not all about catching criminals."

Their actions have been widely praised online, with hundreds of people taking time to thank the officers for their hard work.

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One wrote: "Glad you've got all your Ducks in a row! Sometimes Nature needs a helping hand and it was lovely of you to help out."

And another said: "Oh well done guys..that's brilliant. You do a difficult & thankless job. You just take it all in your stride. Amazing."

A third issued a warning of other animals who might get into difficulties, and said: "Good you could save the ducklings. Nice to know we have caring police officers in our area. Keep an eye out for hedgehogs too, they get themselves stuck in all sorts!!!"

The full Facebook post read:" Whilst out and about this morning local officers noticed a duck and it's duckling next to a grate in an estate in Allerton Bywater

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"On closer inspection 6 out of the 7 ducklings had fallen down the grate into the drains.

"After 10 mins of getting the grate open and fishing them out we managed to get them in a box and to the nature reserve

"I can't remember that been in the application form

"It's not all about catching criminals."