An inquisitive fox was rescued in Croydon recently after getting its head stuck inside a spare wheel.

The residents of a home on Addison Court Road in Croydon went out into their garden last Thursday (May 21) to discover a fox with its head "stuck fast" in a spare alloy they were storing outside.

Luckily they called the RSPCA who were on hand to help the terrified fox, who was desperately trying to free himself but could not escape.

Responding to a request from the Croydon Guardian, a spokesperson for the animal welfare society described what happened next:

"Animal collection officer (ACO) Kirstie Gillard arrived and hoped to free the fox after the homeowners had already tried to help by applying grease to his neck to help him pull his head through, but when this wasn’t successful, and the fox was becoming more distressed, she knew she would need the help of the local fire service to cut the fox free from the metal wheel."

Firefighters from London Fire Brigade (LFB) promptly arrived to provide the necessary tools to cut the fox free.

Kirstie described what happened and praised LFB for their help:

"This poor fox was really struggling to free himself and was terrified, so I knew we had to act quickly.

"His neck had swollen from where he’d been desperately tugging his head, so there was no way he was going to pull himself free," she said.

“Thankfully the London Fire Brigade were able to spare a bit of time to come out to the home, and while we waited, I offered him some water which he was grateful for!

"The fire officers used special equipment to cut through the metal and free the fox. I checked the fox over and as he wasn’t injured I was able to release him.

"I’m so grateful to the London Fire Brigade for sparing some of their time to help this fox - he really wouldn’t have been able to free himself without help from us all."