An inquisitive spaniel has been rescued by a North East fire crew after getting his head trapped in a metal fence. 

Eight-year-old cocker spaniel Indiana Jones, named after the intrepid fictional explorer, got his head stuck in a wrought iron fence in his family's garden after getting back from a walk. 

The Northern Echo:

Indi’s owner Emma Brown and her two children, Oliver, nine and Rose, four, had left him to explore their garden in Houghon-le-Spring, Sunderland, while they removed their muddy wellies.

Ms Brown, 35, was shocked when a concerned neighbour banged on her door to let her know Indi had become stuck in their fence after sticking his head out to greet passers-by. 

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After finding he could not move his head, Indi had become panicked and started to choke himself in his bid for freedom - leaving Ms Brown with no other choice than to call the fire and rescue service for assistance. 

The Northern Echo: Indi is a beloved member of the Brown family. Picture: The Brown Family.Indi is a beloved member of the Brown family. Picture: The Brown Family. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene on Saturday, October 1 at around 11.45 am, and sprang into action.

They decided to cut away the section of railings around Indi’s head before taking him to a nearby vet where he was anaesthetised so the metal could be cut away safely.

About the ordeal, Ms Brown said: "At first I just thought it was Indi being Indi, and he’d got into one of his little scrapes. But when I actually realised he was really stuck, pure panic set in. It was quite scary. I was thinking the worst could happen!

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“Once Indi started to struggle and get more distressed there was no other way forward, and the Fire Service seemed like our only hope to free Indi.

“The fire crew were at the house before we knew it. I literally wanted to cry when I saw the fire engine as at this stage the children were also starting to get upset.

"I could write a book about all of Indi’s misgivings as he likes nothing more than to go on doggy adventures around the estate.  He’s even got a girlfriend a few doors down!"

Kevin Williams, TWFRS Watch Manager for Green Watch at Rainton Bridge Community Fire Station, said: “When a pet like Indi becomes stuck and distressed in the manner in which he was, we have to make the welfare of the animal our paramount concern and at the same time trying to reassure the owner of his safety.”

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