Fox rescued from drain after nine-hour ordeal

News imageCleethorpes Wildlife Rescue Close-up of the fox's head wedged in the drainpipe Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue
The fox was wedged in a 4" (10 cm) wide drainpipe

Rescuers spent more than nine hours freeing a fox trapped in a drain.

The animal got stuck in the pipes underneath a housing estate in Humberston, North East Lincolnshire on Sunday.

Firefighters, volunteers from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue (CWR) and engineers from Anglian Water eventually rescued the animal which was wedged in a 4in (10cm) wide pipe before taking it to a vet for treatment to its injuries.

In a social media post, the wildlife charity said it was "the most difficult rescue we've ever faced".

The fox was spotted by residents, who tried to help it escape from the drain before calling for help.

CWR said when the animal was removed it had "multiple wounds" and underwent surgery and other treatment on its hind legs.

Rescuers have named the fox Valor and said it had a "very long road ahead of him" before it fully recovers.

News imageCleethorpes Wildlife Rescue The fox's head is visible as he stares out from beneath a blanket after being treated at the vetsCleethorpes Wildlife Rescue
The fox is recovering after undergoing surgery

"It was an incredibly challenging rescue and a real team effort," a CWR spokesperson said.

"His prognosis is still guarded, but we're really encouraged that just four hours after surgery he was already standing on all four legs.

"He's certainly proving to be a fighter".

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, and watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices