Swimming pool gets unexpected visit from fox

Ipswich Borough Council said the fox managed to get into the swimming pool complex using an automatic door

A town's swimming pool had an unexpected visit from a fox who entered through its automatic doors.

The bushy-tailed intruder gave people at Crown Pools in Ipswich a friendly surprise on Wednesday as it walked around the building.

Ipswich Borough Council runs the pool and assistant manager Rob Bridgeman said: "I have worked there for 40 years and have seen everything, but never a fox."

He said it took about 15 minutes to get the curious critter to leave the building and had to use a feather duster to urge it out from under a wheelchair.

"I think it was freaked out, so I got a long-handed duster and touched its tail."

He said there were "quite a few screams" from visitors as it first walked into the building.

John Cook, Labour councillor and portfolio holder for communities and sport, said: "Our kind, quick-thinking members of staff, dedicated to dealing with whatever the day holds, are rarely outfoxed."

Mr Bridgeman said the fox was guided outside before making its way towards Christchurch Park.