Firefighters rescue dog which trapped itself in its owner's van

Firefighters were called to rescue a mischievous dog which managed to trap itself inside its owner's van.

Staffordshire bull terrier Pearl became trapped in the vehicle after she chewed through a lock while it was parked on Newland Road in Coventry.

Fire crews rushed to the scene in a 4x4 brigade response vehicle and used small tools to free the five-year-old pooch.

West Midlands Fire Service said Pearl was retrieved from the small van 'fit and well' before being reunited with her owner who was 'given advice'.

But that was only after the cheeky mutt began chewing on a trainee firefighter's helmet after 'mistaking it for a tennis ball.'

The fire service said they used specialist equipment to gain access to the vehicle and left the scene within 45 minutes on September 30.

A service spokesperson said: 'A lucky escape for Pearl, the cheeky Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who locked herself in a van after chewing through the lock!

'A crew from Binley Fire Station came to the rescue at the incident, late last month, using specialist equipment to free Pearl safely.

'In good spirits after her release, Pearl thought our trainee firefighter's helmet was a huge tennis ball!'