Quick-thinking firefighters have been praised by an animal charity after springing to the rescue of a deer – after it got trapped in a fence.

On Friday (10^th June) afternoon, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s (TWFRS) fire control received a call about a distressed roe deer trapped in a fence in Longbenton in Newcastle.

A single crew from TWFRS’s Byker Community Fire Station were quickly on scene to begin helping the animal find its freedom.

The deer’s head had gotten caught between the metal pickets of a fence in a wooded area near Benton Metro Station and was getting increasingly distressed.

Using a heavy duty forcible entry tool called a hooligan, firefighters were able to bend the pickets enough for the deer to wiggle its head out.

Together they waited for the arrival of the RSPCA so the deer could be check over and cared for properly before being release back into nature.

And today (Thursday), the animal charity have thanked firefighters for their quick intervention and close care in rescuing the animal.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We believe this roe deer had been running in the area at night and thought it could get through the railings but misjudged the gap.

“The deer was obviously terrified but luckily the matter was reported and we were called to help.

“We’re often called out to help deer trapped in this way and we have to be careful not to cause them stress and so we release them calmly and as quickly as possible, after being checked over.

“In this case the deer had a bruised neck but otherwise appeared healthy and so a decision was made to release the animal in situ.”

Station Manager for Byker Community Fire Station Jay Shepherd said “I want to say a huge thank you to the crew that attended and helped free the deer quickly and safely.

“Where it was stuck was quiet close to the metro, so thankfully we were able to help free it and the RSPCA were able to release it in a safer place so it did not impact on the vital transport system.

“Whether it’s those on four legs or two who need our help, we will always be around to help.”

If you do encounter a wild animal that is trapped do not try and free it yourself. Wild animals can scratch, kick and bite when frightened, particularly if they are injured.

You could risk hurting yourself and the animal. Keep a safe distance and call the RSPCA cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

For further advice visit our website www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals.

There is more information on deer in England and Wales with a “Living with deer” fact sheet on the RSPCA website.