Three animals described as 'wolf-type' have been captured by police after they were seen roaming through the Barton and Broughton areas of Preston on Thursday (October 30). Officers were called following reports of howling and sightings of what some believed to be wolves.
The animals were spotted on Station Lane, Hollowforth Lane and Eaves Lane. Locals shared their own theories online, with some suggesting they could be coyotes, golden jackals or wolfdogs. Police attended the area and managed to safely secure all three, which have now been taken to a secure location while efforts continue to confirm their exact species.
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: '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 spokesperson added: '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.'
Later, police posted a picture of the animals in the back of a van with a Halloween-themed message: '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.' One local commented: 'It was me that called the police and these were not wolves. They looked wolf-like but were walking on their hind legs.' Wendy Mulela, from the Homeward Bound Facebook group, said: 'As the wild wolf is not indigenous to the UK, these are more likely to be hybrid breeds of Wolfdogs.'
