by Rachel Hovenden

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, similar to the one pictured, 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."