A MYSTERY soccer mascot from North Yorkshire is nursing an injured wrist after allegedly being assaulted before the recent Mascot Grand National.

The incident is believed to have taken place in the parade ring before the Huntingdon race, and allegedly involved Swansea City mascot Cyril the Swan pushing the 46-year-old woman over.

Police have now named Cyril as prime suspect.

But York City mascot Yorkie the Lion - a good friend of Cyril's - today gave the swan his backing.

"Cyril's a really good swan. I'd be surprised if he was involved in anything like that, or meant anyone any harm," said Yorkie.

The woman, who was dressed as a dog, is said to have hurt her wrist in the fall.

She completed the race but then got medical attention at the course, before contacting police.

A Cambridgeshire Police spokeswoman confirmed the incident was being investigated. "She is alleging she was pushed by Cyril the Swan before falling and hurting her wrist."

A spokesman for Swansea City FC said: "Until we know what happened we aren't making any comment. Knowing Cyril as we do, if anything has happened we are sure he didn't mean any harm.

"We will support him all the way."

Huntingdon Racecourse spokesman Jim Allen said staff at the course were "trying to work out" what had gone on.

He said: "All we know is that it was a dog, and there were 10 or 12 dogs in the race."

Last Sunday's mascot national - the third was the roughest so far, with at least three runners injured.

And the winner, Freddie the Fox, was disqualified after it turned out he was Olympic 400m hurdler Matthew Douglas.

* Are you the mystery mascot, or do you know who she is? If so, ring Richard Edwards at the Evening Press on 01904 653051 (ext310) or use the email link above.

Updated: 14:31 Friday, October 05, 2001