A FRIGHTENED deer had to be rescued by animal welfare experts after falling into an open drain.

The unlucky animal was spotted by a dog walker near Thatcham and officers from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) rushed to help.

The roe deer had fallen down a drainage hole and had to be lifted to safety before receiving a check over from the RSPCA team.

Phil Hamilton, who helped the deer to safety, said: “This poor deer had no means of escape.

"It is lucky she was found by a dog walker, whose dogs had led her to the drain, otherwise she may not have been spotted and may not have survived.

“With help from my colleague Laura Wheeler, I managed to lift the deer out onto the grass.

"It was great to see that within seconds she had recovered from her shocking experience and had ran away back to where she belongs.

“I would advise anyone who spots an animal in a similar situation to always get in touch with the RSPCA on our 24/7 emergency line 0300 1234 999 and not try to rescue the animal themselves as they could end up hurting themselves or cause the animal more stress or injury.”

Advice on what to do if you encounter a wild animal that you think needs help can be found here.

Visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give to help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals.