Cement-covered hedgehogs rescued on Witney building site

The hedgehogs were found covered in dry cement

Two hedgehogs have been cleaned and treated after becoming covered in dry cement.

They were found at a building site in Witney and taken to Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue.

The rescue charity said it was concerned they may have suffered chemical burns or respiratory problems.

After being cleaned with water and vinegar, it said they seemed to have suffered "little to no long-term damage" and would be released soon.

The trust posted pictures on social media of the creatures "absolutely covered, head to toe" in cement, after they were found next to some bags of cement by building workers.

They were cleaned using diluted vinegar and a cleaning agent in warm water

Trust founder Luke Waclawek said the cement had become wet, with small lumps forming within the animals' spines which were "particularly nasty and potentially dangerous".

"We have used a small amount of diluted vinegar and a cleaning agent in warm water to counteract the alkaline PH and have managed to remove all the cement lumps and particles," he added.

Mr Waclawek said they would be held at the centre for a few days to check in case any respiratory problems developed, otherwise they would be released.

He warned people to be "mindful" of wildlife while doing activities such as gardening, erecting fences or laying patios.

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