ANIMAL-loving neighbours came to the rescue of a frightened fox after she was found hiding out in an unsuspecting resident’s property.

The injured and hesitant fox was discovered taking shelter outside 28-year-old Georgia-Blue Townshend’s house in Maldon Road, Colchester.

The English teacher had been made aware of the fox by caring neighbours Patrick Preston and Megan Dellar.

Worried it may attempt to run away, potentially into oncoming traffic, the trio did their best to keep the fox calm until the arrival of more professional help.

Gazette:

“Megan told me there was a fox behind my car that was injured,” said Georgia-Blue.

“My first thought was that I need to get it to safety and to pick it up and I was desperate to help it.

“I went towards the fox and put my hand out and it was obvious that it was hurt, but it was calm.

“As I was doing this Patrick was calling the RSPCA and Megan was posting on Facebook to try and get someone to come and help.

“The fox then moved up on to my driveway and hid near the front door.

“My dad came out and gave me a towel and some cat treats and it then came really close and it was obvious it wanted help.”

Despite their best efforts to keep the fox in a safe location, given its inability to move out of danger quickly, the curious fox repeatedly tried to walk back on to the road.

Eventually, Georgia-Blue managed to get close enough to the fox to put a towel over its head, which is said to have resulted in it instantly laying down and relaxing.

“I held it there and stroked it until someone turned up from Colchester Caring for our Cats,” added Georgia-Blue.

“She had a container for it, so I lifted the fox into the container so it was safe.

“We all then waited for Dave Thompson, a fox rescuer, to turn up.”

Shortly after arriving, Mr Thompson, who is part of the Colchester-based D and K Fuzzy Ferrets and Fox Rescue, safely wrapped up the fox, which is believed to be about two years old.

Gazette:

It was then transported to the animal expert’s house where it was established to likely be suffering from Toxo.

The disease can affect a fox’s lungs causing pneumonia, their liver, resulting in hepatitis, and its eyes.

It can also impact the animal’s central nervous system and various other parts of its body.

Georgia-Blue added: “It will probably not be able to be released.

“I believe it will live in a sanctuary now, although I told Dave I would be more than happy to have it and raise it at mine.

“We have since found out that she was a mother and unfortunately its cubs have probably died as her milk had dried up about a week ago, so that was quite upsetting.”

Georgia-Blue, who says she has previously rescued various stray cats, says she has been left overwhelmed by everyone’s eagerness to help the otherwise helpless furry fox.

“It was so lovely, and afterwards Megan, Patrick, and myself actually realised we had known each other when we were younger,” she said.

“So, it was lovely to see so many people care about this little fox and it renews your faith in humanity.”