A hedgehog found impaled on a curtain rail has had a miracle escape after the pole missed all its vital organs, the RSPCA has said.

The animal was found alive by a member of the public who came across the stricken animal behind their home near Brands Farm Way in Telford, Shropshire.

The RSPCA is keeping an open mind as to how the animal came to be speared, but has appealed to the public for information about the incident.

The female hedgehog was taken to a vet where it had to be treated for lungworm, and will be cared for at a wildlife centre over the winter before it can be released again.

Inspector Kate Parker, from the RSPCA, said: "It may have been a terrible accident or someone could have done this deliberately to harm this animal.

"It's a miracle the hedgehog survived and now hopefully we will be able to care for her throughout this winter until she is strong enough to be released."

Anyone with information about how the animal came to be impaled is urged to ring the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.