A TRAPPED fox cub has been saved by alert water workers who notice he had become stuck in a sewer pipe in Basildon.

The RSPCA were called in to rescue the 12-week-old cub who Anglian Water workers spotted running up and down the pipe under the Upway but he but couldn't get himself out.

Inspector Jack Taylor arrived on the scene and managed to contain the fox around the middle with his grasper and slowly and carefully hoisted him up to safety.

Jack said: "This poor fox had got himself into a bit of a tricky situation and was stuck running up and down the pipe but unable to climb his way out. I took him to a nearby wildlife hospital and after a bath and some antibiotics to make sure he wasn't affected by any of the bacteria in the sewer, he will soon be released.

"Not only was this little fox lucky he wasn't hurt when he fell down the pipe, he was also lucky that someone spotted his plight and contacted us. The fox will soon be released back to the wild nearby to where he was found."

For more information about what to do if you see a fox cub in need of help, visit the RSPCA's website. To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please you can also donate via the this link or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.