Firemen had to be called out to rescue a stricken fox that had managed to get its head stuck inside a watering can.

A member of the public rang the RSPCA after spotting the fox wandering along an alleyway in south west London on Friday morning, banging into things because it couldn't see.

The RSPCA rang the fire brigade, and between them the heroes managed to cut the can off the animal's head before letting it go down an alleyway.

London fire brigade watch manager Ben Midgley said: "When we arrived the fox was wrapped in a towel and sleeping on the caller's lap.

"It was very calm and we carefully cut the plastic to release its head.

"The fox was uninjured and we released it."

The fire brigade have said of the incident that calling the RSPCA is the best way to deal with animals that need help.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We will always be there in an emergency or if there is a risk that people may put themselves in danger trying to assist an animal themselves, but not all animal rescues need our help."