A roe deer was rescued by firefighters after it became trapped under the tarpaulin cover of a swimming pool near Southampton.

An animal rescue adviser was called at 3.26pm yesterday after the deer was discovered in the pool in the rear garden of a property in Roman Road, Chilworth.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's rural safety officer Jim Green helped free the animal by cutting through the tarpaulin before placing a bag over the deer's head to keep it calm.

The rescue was also carried out slowly and in silence to prevent the animal from panicking.

Mr Green said: ''The deer did not appear badly injured and was not too traumatised by the experience.

''The animal was left to calm down for a few minutes before being released into the trees at the end of the garden.''