Shocking image shows a Preston duck with a baby's dummy in its mouth

Pictures shared to social media by a retired man from Ingol show the shocking moment he came across a mallard duck with a plastic dummy in its mouth.

Andrew Badley, an amateur photographer, was taking a walk on Wednesday, January 10 in Haslam Park when he came across the strange sight in the pond and captured it for others to see.

Andrew told the Post: “Haslam park is my local patch, where I like to take wildlife photos, as my hobby. These shots were a once in a lifetime spot, I did a double take! The right place at the right time but I’m always observant. You never know what will turn up, as this proved.”

In pictures shared with the Post, which Andrew describes as “sad”, the duck can be seen clutching a brown, rusted pacifier in its beak, as if using it for the purpose intended.

Andrew explained he saw the duck fight off competition for the baby's dummy before later dropping the item once he realised it was inedible.

Andrew added: “It just shows how discarded rubbish ends up being a potential threat to wildlife. The duck had hold of the dummy, for a good, few minutes, warding off other drakes, who must have thought it was food. No harm came to the ducks, thankfully.”