A YOUNG deer had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped in a metal gate in Tottington.

The animal was in playing fields near to Tottington High School when its legs became stuck in the railings.

A couple who were walking their dog called the fire brigade and firefighters attended Kingsbury Close.

After trying to pull the deer through the bars, four of the crew used their special cutting equipment, similar to that used in car accidents, to cut through the metal and release the animal.

Crew commander Tony Wilson, of Bury Fire Station, said: “When we arrived the lady who spotted the deer had covered its head to stop it fretting.

“We think it had been making its way through the fields and got its body part way through the railings but not its back legs so it was wedged in. It was only a baby.

“We released it and it stood up and trotted off.”

The animal did not suffer any injuries during the incident, which took place at 10am on Saturday.

Mr Wilson added: “We have been to a couple of animals in distress this year, such as horses and cattle, but this is the first time I have rescued a deer.”