AN ATTACK by an angry swan left eight-year-old Jacob Gregory screaming for help as he enjoyed a swim - and his terrified mother had to dive into the river to rescue him.
The Year 3 pupil at Bitham Brook Primary School in Westbury was rushed to Frome Community Hospital following the incident.
His mum, Sophie Hall, 27, of Oldfield Park, Westbury, said: “My family and I were enjoying a picnic at a picturesque spot in Hanging Langford on a hot spring day by the river last weekend. 
“I was with my partner Alex Conduit, 35, his daughter Bella, six, Jacob and our daughter Lily, 18 months. 
“Jacob was playing in the river in his rubber ring along, with a few other children in the water. 
“Out of nowhere, a swan came charging towards him, and mounted him, flapping constantly, and attacked. Blood was pouring from his head. 
“My partner and I dived into the water fully clothed to rescue my son and attempted to deter the swan from further attacking him. 
“After dragging him from the water we were shocked to see he was covered in blood from a gash the swan had made on the back of his head. 
“We took him to the minor injuries unit at Frome Community Hospital where he was treated and is now on medication for the wound. 
“After the swan had been scared off by us, he then went up-stream and attacked another lady. 
“My son was very shaken up but is very proud that he survived an animal attack and enjoys telling his story to people.”
At the hospital, nursing staff cleaned the wound but were reluctant to glue it closed because of fears that it might be contaminated with germs from the swan.
Miss Hall said: “They gave us a week’s supply of antibiotics and some special cream to put on it.”
The River Wylye between Hanging Langford and Steeple Langford is a popular picnic spot for families as there is parking opposite. 
Adults and children are able to swim and play in the river and afterwards sunbathe and dry off on the grassy river bank. 
The couple assume the swan attacked because it was defending a nest nearby, although they did not see one.
Miss Hall added: “My son was just minding his own business floating on his rubber ring.
“The swan came from under a bridge and just went for him. As soon as he saw him, he just made a beeline for him.
“Jacob is fine now but obviously he’s now scared of swans.”