Baby swans were left swimming in cooking oil after it was dumped in an Ilford lake.

Three cygnets had to be removed from the lake in South Park, Ilford earlier this week because oil had covered their wings preventing them from flying.

The birds were removed from the water by a bird conservationist from the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, Middlesex, who visits the swans regularly.

A member of the South Park Users Group, Tony Hoad, said: “The birds had to be taken away immediately to be cared for after the irresponsible dumping of cooking oil in the water.

“It is a dreadful situation, people don’t realise how dangerous it is and it is a problem throughout Redbridge.”

The group is worried more birds, particularly the younger ones, could have been affected.

Three of the seven cygnets at the park were taken away for special cleaning to prevent the oil damaging the birds’ waterproofing on their feathers.

There is said to have been no long term damage caused.

Mr Hoad said: “The swans are such a popular attraction at the park and we get so much feedback from people telling us how they like to come and see them.

“People are acting irresponsibly and dumping their waste at the park, which is also causing a high number of vermin.”

Mr Hoad and his wife Anne play an active role in the park and have organised a campaign offering advice on what to feed the swans and notices to promote general cleanliness in the park.