Cat rescued from drowning in rain

The cat is said to be 12 months old and very timid

A cat had a narrow escape after becoming trapped on the ledge of a storm drain during heavy rain.

The young male black and white cat was heard crying as it perched on the ledge in Handsworth, Birmingham, on Thursday.

RSPCA staff called out fire crews who rescued the cat using a net. A spokesman said it was rescued just in time as water levels were rising.

The cat, which had a split lip and was showing signs of hypothermia, is now at Birmingham's Animal Hospital.

RSPCA Inspector Simon Davies said: "This cat was in an awkward and dangerous position and with the heavy rain causing the water levels to rise it was important we acted fast.

"The cat could have fallen in the water at any time and my thanks go to the fire brigade for their quick thinking leading to the successful rescue of this cat."