A badger had his hitchhiking ride cut short after Edmonton firefighters scuppered his plans to relocate to the capital.

Brian the young badger decided to leave leafy Ware in Hertfordshire on Monday morning to see the sights of North London by climbing into the underneath of an Audi A1.

But when he arrived in Park Drive, Southgate, Brian’s chauffeur wasn’t too impressed with his travelling methods and called in firefighters to help the badger out of his tight spot.

Watch Manager Chris Swallow, who was at the scene, said: “Brian has decided to seek warmth underneath the car’s bumper and the driver had no idea she had a passenger on board when she left her home in Hertfordshire.

“It was only when she went to put something in the boot that she heard a scratching sound and then noticed a paw beneath her bumper so called the Brigade.”

Firefighters used airbags to lift the rear of the car to free the badger, who tried to make another bid for freedom before he was carefully put in a crate by the crews and an RSPCA inspector, who was called by the Brigade.

Watch Manager Swallow added: “We’ve had quite the eventful year in Edmonton, first with rescuing Jessie the Parrot from a roof and now freeing Brian from under a car. I just hope our next animal rescue doesn’t involve a snake!

“While we were needed to help Brian, we would always urge people to contact the RSPCA in the first instance if they see an animal stuck or in distress. If the RSPCA require our assistance, they will call us and we are happy to assist with our specialist equipment.”

One fire engine from Edmonton fire station attended the scene.