The RSPCA is asking for anyone with information to come forward after a fox was killed after being caught in an illegal trap.

The animal was found inside a building site in Leven Road, Poplar, on Monday with his leg badly injured and stuck in the snare.

Susan Naish, an Animal Welfare Officer, freed the fox but sadly it had to be put down due to the severity of the injuries.

“The wound to this poor animal’s leg was horrific - it shook me up to see how much pain he was in,” said Susan. “His leg was completely snapped in half and completely mangled - it was clear the suffering was extreme.

The device used to ensnare the fox is known as a gin trap and is designed to capture animals rather than kill them.

Gin traps were made illegal in 1954.

“These traps are illegal for a reason - they are brutal and cause a lot of suffering. It is absolutely disgusting that this kind of trap is being used in this day and age,” said Susan.

“It is not just foxes like this one who are at risk from injury, but they could easily seriously harm a person or someone’s pet dog or cat as well as wildlife.”

The RSPCA urges anyone with information about who could have set this trap to come forward, in complete confidence, to call them on 0300 123 8018.