This plucky vixen had a lucky escape when she was rescued from a garden in St Albans.

The wild mammal was found trapped in a garden archway in Hazelwood Drive at around 10pm on Saturday, November 14.

A member of the public found the terrified fox caught in the archway, which was leaning against the shed.

It is thought she likely became trapped as she jumped up or down from the roof - hanging from the metal by her tail.

Animal collection officer (ACO) Kate Wright said: “This poor fox was hanging upside down from her tail. She was completely trapped and there is no way she could have escaped without help.

“She was panicking and must have been very stressed and frightened.

“Thankfully, the member of public acted quickly and laid the archway on the ground so the fox was able to put her feet down."

The tail had twisted tightly around the metal but officers from the RSPCA used bolt cutters to cut her free from the arch.

Mrs Wright added: “The vixen was very lucky to have been found and released so quickly. I dread to think what could have happened if no-one had heard her cries.”

The fox was taken to Bedfordshire Wildlife Rescue, in Houghton Regis, where she underwent an operation to amputate part of her damaged tail.

She will remain in their care for a few weeks, until recovered, before being released into the wild.