A fox cub was rescued after it got tangled up in a football net.

The animal was found in the back garden of a house in Croxley Green on Wednesday morning - just days before the Euro 2016 kick off.

A dog “continuously” barking alerted the homeowner to the troubled fox.

The cub scurried off once it was rescued by an RSPCA officer and she urged people to put garden equipment away to prevent animals from getting injured.

RSPCA animal collection officer Kate Wright said: “Many people are naturally excited for the start of the Euro football tournament this weekend and it’s great to see people getting in some footie practice of their own by putting out their own goals in their gardens, but I’d like to urge people to put them away, or roll up the net when they’re not in use.

“We do see quite a few animals getting caught in them, which can result in serious injury.

“This lovely little fur ball got lucky as I was able to free him but other animals are not always so fortunate. Hedgehogs particularly seem to get caught up in a nasty way in these nets.

“We don’t want to stop anyone having fun, but being a bit more mindful could save a life, not just a goal, and that’s really something to celebrate.”