A FOX has been lifted to safety after it became trapped in a pit at Southampton Docks. 

Firefighters were called to the scene on Monday afternoon after the cub fell into the pit on the Southern Water site. 

The fire service said the tank was particularly dangerous for the young animal as it may have flooded if it had started raining. 

Officers from the RSPCA attended the scene, as well as an animal rescue advisor from the fire service. 

Working together, the teams lowered a humane trap into the tank to encourage the fox away from the area susceptible to flooding. 

READ MORE: Chihuahua puppy found with arrow through neck expected to survive

It was then lifted to safety on Tuesday morning. 

The cub was checked over by the RSPCA before being released without harm. 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue's animal rescue advisor, Mark Compton later said: "We worked closely with the RSPCA officers and Southern Water teams on the scene to reach and recover the fox.”

“This young cub was in a confined position and we were concerned of its safety due to the risk of flooding.”

“It’s always a pleasing outcome when we’re able to rescue an animal and see it released unharmed.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News