A PUPPY had lucky escape after its head became stuck down a drain.

Although it was all smiles by the end of the day as Bella, the pint-size English bull terrier, was rescued.

The drama unfolded in the Highcliffe area of Winchester yesterday.

A neighbour raised the alarm after seeing Bella with her head stuck between an iron pipe and the concrete drain gully.

The six-month old puppy was making a lot of noise, and was clearly distressed.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue sent animal rescue officer, Anton Phillips, to release the dog.

He said: "In order to free Bella I had to cut through the bolt heads at the bottom drain pipe bracket with a hack saw.

"Gauging her reaction I assessed that she was a guard dog and as a safety precaution I noosed her before releasing her so she would not bite me."

Bella was released within the hour, and declared fit and well.