A FOX with its head stuck in a watering can is the latest animal to be saved by the Essex Wildlife Hospital at Orsett - though the frightened animal showed its gratitude by "several wall of death laps" as it left a 'trail of destruction'.

The distressed animal was taken to the hospital by a milkwoman on her morning round on Monday (28 December) who had discovered it.

Hospital founder Sue Schwar was on duty and took on the rescue task herself.

She says it was not clear how long the fox had been trapped in the watering can, but it was dehydrated and had also sustained a cut to one of its feet.

Sue managed to get the fox free from the can but then the animal sprang to life and made a "break for freedom and a brief battle ensued".

It it left a "trail of destruction" in a consultation room before being recaptured.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: "The fox did several wall of death laps of the consult room before being captured leaving a trail of destruction, blood and stinky fox urine everywhere.

"Thank goodness it didn't escaped in the prep room where the damage to the equipment in there would have been worse!

"Just goes to show wildlife can always surprise us and should never be taken for granted especially for example handling such an animal with other folk or traffic around."

After being recaptured the fox needed stitches and antibiotics to treat its wounded foot but it is hoped to release it back into the wild in a few days.

It's been a busy time for the hospital and only yesterday Thurrock Nub News reported on its latest unusual arrivals.

If you would like to support the work of the hospital with a donation you can do so via this link.