A duck in a flap prompted firemen to take to the water on Cannon Hill Common.

The quackers creature became trapped in a fishing line by one of the common’s ponds, before two officers paddled over to free it in an operation at midday on Sunday.

Three fire rescue vehicles flew into action to free the bird after a call from the RSPCA - although two were sent from the scene in Raynes Park soon after arriving.

Two firefighters in a life raft were eventually dispatched to untangle the duck, which was then handed over to an RSPCA officer for further attention before being released back into the wild.

The RSPCA employee who tended to the bird, animal collection officer Michael Ballatyne, has since warned fishermen using the ponds to make sure their actions do not injure the area’s wildlife.

Cannon Hill Lane resident James Macnamara watched the rescue unfold after seeing fire crews arrive on the common near his home.

He said: “The duck was obviously in distress - I think it was more frightened than anything else.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “The duck was extremely lucky not to have suffered any serious injuries as its body weight was hanging on the tip of its wing. As it was, the duck only lost a few feathers and Mr Ballatyne was able to free it and release it back on to the water.

“He said he's been called to the pond several times recently to deal with similar instances and appeals for anglers to make sure they don't leave bits of line and floats around as birds can easily get tangled up in the fishing litter and sometimes swallow it.”

There are ongoing tensions between fishermen at the ponds and other common users, with accusations some anglers are damaging the environment and spoiling the area for the others.