Woman dressed as swan paddles on inflatable in flood water

The pictures appear to show a woman dressed as a swan sitting atop a large swan pool float paddling across Worcester's Racecourse while it was flooded. 

Onlookers were amazed and taken aback with one eyewitness calling it a unique sight.

However, mystery surrounds why she was on the pool float - whether it was performance art or for some other reason - during the floods earlier this month.

'It was surreal' (Image: Darren Proust)

Darren Proust, who spotted the woman as he was walking past with his son and daughter, said: "I was surprised by what we saw and was taken aback as it is something I’ve never witnessed before. 

"Not only was it very unusual, but through the gate that surrounds the racecourse, she seemed strangely natural, like a zoo animal.

(Image: Darren Proust)

"Only I was unsure at times whether she was the animal or were we, especially when she looked back at us. 

"There were a few people who passed and peered in to take photographs, and she seemed uninhibited by our gaze and the cameras, as though it was an average Saturday outing."

She was on Worcester's racecourse (Image: Darren Proust)

The woman was spotted on Saturday, October 19 during the height of flooding which transformed many parts of the city into a murky mess. 

(Image: Darren Proust)

Mr Proust continued: "We went past the flooded raceground only for one of my children to be surprised when they spotted a clown on a giant swan.

"He was amazed and loved it.

"Seeing someone enjoying the silver lining from all the extra rain was magical.

"It was a truly strange and magical encounter.

"My children waved and she did wave back, the look in her eyes and her movement was like an orangutan pressing its palm to meet a visitor.

"My daughter thought it was amazing and she now awaits the rainy weather. 

"Unfortunately I was unable to get to speak with her as she was at a distance and seemed peacefully out of reach."

Mr Proust, a resident of Worcester, regularly tours the city on Saturdays with his children to take pictures of the wildlife. 

The experience is by far his favourite and he is hoping to see the woman once again on the river the next time he goes out.