Fox rescued after getting leg stuck in letterbox

The fox had ligament damage and several fractures to its metatarsal bones

A fox was rescued after getting its leg stuck inside a letterbox.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital said it had "no idea" how the animal became trapped during the incident in Hadleigh, near South Benfleet, on Monday.

A spokesperson for the charity said a member of the public freed the fox, but then had to call for help when the animal subsequently became wedged between a fence and a wall.

The wildlife hospital, which is based in Orsett, found the fox had ligament damage and several fractures to its metatarsal bones.

The fox's damaged ligaments have been sutured back together and its leg was splinted in place

Lawrie Brailey, who is operations manager at the hospital, said it was common to find foxes in "utterly ridiculous" situations during dispersal seasons, when they leave their dens to find new territories.

A spokesperson added: "Luckily Lawrie, one of our rescuers, was soon on scene and carefully wiggled the poor fox back out of the gap."

The fox was taken into surgery. Its damaged ligaments were sutured back together and the leg was splinted.

"Time will tell" if further surgery is required - a spokesperson said - "but we're not giving up on this poor boy just yet".