RESIDENTS in a quiet Bolton street were surprised to be invaded — by a colony of pet rabbits on the run.

The furry creatures were soon nibbling their way through plants after “escaping” from a nearby garden in November after their owners are thought to have moved away.

Neighbours in tranquil Strawberry Hill Road in The Haulgh, began feeding the newcomers but decided they needed rounding-up and caring for after one of them was killed by a car.

Up to 14 of the pet rabbits have been spotted and residents fear they could be overrun if nature was allowed to take its course.

So the experts were called in to catch the animals with the aid of huge nets.

Rain, sleet and snow did not provide the best conditions for rabbit catching — but it was worth a try.

Bolton RSPCA inspector Caroline Hall and branch administrator Kathy Kay were joined by Kay White, who runs the Bolton Bunny Hop Rescue, and myself to try to catch the rabbits.

Unfortunately, the wet weather meant most of the rabbits kept low and proved difficult to flush out. In all, only four were caught The first two were speedily apprehended in a garden greenhouse and taken to the RSPCA van.

The second two proved more difficult to catch. In fact, they were chased around a dozen gardens before they were cornered.

All four were taken to Bunnyhop Rescue, a self-funded centre run by Kay.

Resident Ian Richardson said he had been worried about the rabbits.

“My wife and I love animals and after I saw the one that had been killed I knew we had to do something,” he said.

“They should be living with families who want them and can look after them, not running wild.”

Kay said this time of year was particularly busy for rabbit rescues all over the country.

She said: “We are all full to the brim with rabbits.

“Many are abandoned when the weather gets bad as people don’t like cleaning out the hutches in the rain and cold.

“People need to think very carefully about getting rabbits as they do require a great deal of commitment.”.

It is hoped the other rabbits can be captured at some time.

Kay said it was thanks to the dedication of the residents that the rabbits were in such a good condition.

“They have worked very hard to help these rabbits and I would like to thank them for all their efforts,” she said.

All the rabbits will be given a check-up by a vet, neutered and vaccinated before being rehomed.

Anyone interested in providing a home should contact Kay on 07801 186174 (up to 7pm).