A young fox found himself in a sticky situation when he got his head trapped in a bin lid.

The headstrong cub was rescued by RSPCA officers who said he had got himself into "a real pickle."

The fox was found with just his head popping out of the black bin lid by staff at Saracens High School in Grahame Park, near Colindale.

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Teachers spotted the curious critter trappedo on school premises on May 17 and called the RSPCA for help.

Animal Collection Officer Mariam Adwan said: "This juvenile fox had got himself into a real pickle. He was really scared, poor thing.

"Somehow he'd managed to put his head through the hole in the lid of the bin, but then couldn't get out. I managed to calm him down and checked whether I could gently ease him out, but his cheeks seemed to be the sticking point.

"This wasn't going to be an easy rescue and I had to to find a solution fast."

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The rescue officers used a hacksaw blade to get the fox out of the bin lid.

Mariam added: "Protecting the fox with one of my hands, I carefully cut a T-shaped slit to open up the hole in the lid.

"Once I had done that he came out easily and following a quick check up at the vet, I was happy to learn he was unscathed by his ordeal."

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RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Mariam Adwan with the rescued fox

Teachers were confident the animal was part of a family of foxes that live on the school grounds and he was released close to his home.

Mariam added: "It was clear he knew exactly where he was because he headed straight for the den and I hope is now reunited with his family."