Firefighters specialising in disasters saved a dog which was trapped for 60 HOURS underground.
Dramatic pictures show rescue teams frantically digging down into an unused badger sett to reach the stricken pooch.
It is believed the dog crawled through the narrow underground tunnels but got stuck in thick mud and was unable to get out.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service scrambled to the scene near Coalville, Leics., at 12pm on Tuesday (1/3).
The dog’s owners, who did not want to be named, raised the alarm after their beloved pet went missing in Diamond Jubilee Wood.
Fire crews spent almost five hours digging around the badger sett using listening gear normally used to find survivors in earthquakes.
They listened to the dog’s whimpers to pin-point it’s exact location and used metal buttresses to reinforce the sett to prevent it from collapsing.
Heartwarming pictures show the moment the spaniel type dog was finally hauled free and was reunited with his relieved owners.
A fire and rescue spokesperson said: “We received a call from the dog owner asking for help.
“They dog was stuck down a badgers sett for more than 60 hours.
“The RSPCA were also in attendance. Crews were mobilised with specialist listening and locating devices.
“The sound of dog was located and more resources were requested to assist with digging to release the dog.
“At 4.40pm the dog was located and rescued. The badger sett is believed to be non-active.”
