A fox had to be rescued last night after becoming impaled on a fence by its tail.

The animal was spotted hanging on the steel spike by neighbours in Ascot Road, Gravesend.

A fire crew from Thames-side station was called at about 8.40pm.

The fox was bleeding from the mouth as it is believed to have injured itself trying to escape.

Firefighter Mark Hart said: "There wasn't a lot we could do without frightening the fox to death."

RSPCA officers arrived with a special net to stop the agitated creature biting firefighters as they helped remove it.

Mr Hart added: "He must have tried climbing over the fence and then got stuck.

"Thankfully an injury to the tail is a bit like a cut to a finger. It's not a very serious injury.

"It stopped bleeding and he just trotted off. After about 10 metres he turned around, looked at us, winked, and carried on his way."