A BAT had a lucky escape after it was found clinging to the inside of toilet bowl - having survived a flush.

The pipistrelle bat was remarkably unscathed after the incident in which he had lived through 'at least one full flush' before being found.

Orsett's South Essex Wildlife Hospital looked after the common nocturnal bat for a few weeks before it was released.

A spokesperson at the hospital said: "After a few weeks of TLC, several successful flight tests and a new-found fear of large bodies of water, he was recently taken back home and released.

"Remember always check your toilet for bats before flushing!"

Pipistrelles are small brown bats which are common in the UK and are around 3.5-4.5cm long. 

If you would like to support the ongoing work of the wildlife hospital, donations can be made via this link.