A councillor who was attacked by a fox on a green popular with young families says he is concerned for public safety.

Conservative Colin Cronin, of Snaresbrook ward, encountered the fox as he walked home from work on Wednesday evening across Christ Church Green, in Wanstead.

As temperatures have risen this week, people have packed the green to enjoy the sun.

This led to bins overflowing and rubbish left strewn across the grass, attracting foxes.

Cllr Cronin described the incident in in an email to Redbridge council’s Labour cabinet member for environment, Cllr Baldesh Nijjar.

He said: “Embarrassingly for me, I had the misfortune of being attacked by a fox whilst crossing Christ Church Green in Wanstead.

“Thankfully, after lunging at my shopping bag, the fox left ‘with his tail between his legs’ so to speak.

“Whilst I'm wholly able to defend myself against foxes, rats and other vermin, the multitudes of young children using this green cannot and should not have to.”

Cllr Cronin called on the council's Labour leadership to resolve the issue by replacing bins which he does not believe are fit for purpose

He continued: “I wanted to be sure you're aware of the significant problem developing there as good weather arrives.

"When can we see preventative rather than corrective action from this administration?

“Namely, the replacement of these antiquated and unfit for purpose bins in order to alleviate the pressure on our cleansing team, the unsightly strew of litter on our green and the potentially dangerous attacks on our residents, both young and old.”

Redbridge council has been contacted for comment.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Cllr Colin Cronin emerged unscathed from an encounter with a fox on Christ Church Green.