A MOBILE phone attached to a snake hook helped a rescue operation for a hedgehog that fell down an uncovered drain.

RSPCA animal rescuer officer Aleesha Haddlesey couldn’t see the mammal - nicknamed Curious George - when she arrived on the scene at Stanningley Road, Leeds.

Suspecting he had tumbled deeper in, she lowered her phone into the pipe using a snake hook.

The make-shift fix captured him on camera about 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) down.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The hedgehog was stuck and a crew from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to assist The hedgehog was stuck and a crew from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to assist (Image: RSPCA)

Unfortunately the hedgehog was stuck and a crew from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called out to assist. 

Because of the animal’s position, the officers had to drill and dig up the drain and surrounding area in order to free him.

Following the incident on March 19, the hedgehog was taken by Aleesha for a veterinary check before receiving care at West Yorkshire-based charity Shelley Hedgehogs.

He was successfully released back to the wild last week.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “When there is genuine concern for the safety of an animal and the RSPCA are not able to rescue with their capabilities, we will send an officer to assess and where possible work with the charity to release the animal safely.”

What to do about uncovered drains or exposed pipework

People should report uncovered drains or an exposed pipe near their home to the water or drainage company concerned.

If it’s on your land, add a suitable cover so it’s not a hazard to wildlife.