A White City resident was surprised to find a giant rabbit, left to fend for itself, had turned up in their garden.

The oversize pet has since been rescued by Blue Cross pet charity, after surviving two nights alone outside when his owners moved out and left him behind.

A concerned neighbour caught the rabbit - a continental giant - after he had been left loose for two days in the garden of the empty White City Estate property.

The neighbour cared for the five kilo rabbit overnight and brought him to the Blue Cross pet charity’s Hammersmith animal hospital the next day.

The young rabbit, nicknamed Sir Pumphrey by vet nurses, was given a health check by vets who found that happily he had not been harmed by his ordeal.

Veterinary Nurse Tracey Parnell says Sir Pumphrey is 'very affectionate and loves nose rubs'

Already larger than the average cat, Sir Pumphrey is still under a year old and could grow up to around seven kilos.

Tracey Parnell, Veterinary Nurse at Blue Cross Hammersmith, said: "Sir Pumphrey was very lucky to have been found before he fell prey to a fox.

"He must have been terrified and confused to find himself all alone.

"He was very stressed when he first came in to us but has settled in well. He is a gentle giant, very affectionate and loves nose rubs."

'Leaving pets abandoned can put them in serious danger'

Blue Cross, which cares for 40,000 sick, injured and homeless pets every year, encourages owners to contact a responsible animal charity if they can no longer care for their pet.

Tracey added: "We do understand that people can’t always keep their pets, but if you’re struggling to cope, please contact a charity for help or advice.

"Leaving pets abandoned can put them in serious danger."

Sir Pumphrey will soon be transferred to a Blue Cross rehoming centre, where he can begin his search for a happy new home. He will need a home with spacious accommodation and some outside access where he can hop, stretch and jump.

To find out more about rehoming a pet from Blue Cross, or for pet advice, visit their website or call 0300 790 9903.