Akel Ahmed became wedged in the 35cm (14in) wide hole close to his home on Northcote Avenue, Hendon, after falling into it while playing with friends.

His mum Lily Aktar, 25, and aunty Shanara Begun tried to free the Hudson Road School pupil without success.

Police and neighbours joined the rescue effort, but soon realised little Akel was trapped.

Firefighters from Sunderland Central were called and found a tearful Akel stuck in the drain up to his shoulders, with his legs wedged underneath him.

Crew manager Derek Grimes decided to use Fairy Liquid to lubricate the pipe and free the youngster, who was treated by paramedics for shock and grazing.

When asked about his ordeal, Akel said: "I was frightened."
Akel's uncle now wants an explanation about why the drain was left open.

He has been helping watch over Akel and his three siblings while their dad Salam is on holiday.

Sadik Miah, 35, who runs Thorndale Tandoori, Thorney Close, says the drain cover has been missing for a week. It is believed it was taken by thieves for its scrap value.

He said: "It is very dangerous, especially close to the path. If his cousin Shomun hadn't been there to run for help I don't know what would have happened.

"What if it had happened to someone at night or an old person? He was so far in you wouldn't have seen when you were driving past.

"He could have died. It was a big scare for him and his mum. He has a scratch on his leg and he didn't want to go to school this morning.

"I know it was an accident, but I can't believe it was left open next to the path."

Akel's mum Lily says she plans to take him to hospital as the normally lively youngsters is so quiet.

Speaking through Sadik, she said little Akel had a restless night and was very frightened.

Community leader Tafazzal Hussain says he has complained about the open drain to the council.

"The council have come out and made it a bit safer and say they it on their job list to come and fix it.

"I've got a feeling that someone has stolen it."

A spokesman for Sunderland Council said: "The drain cover will be replaced today and the costs recovered from the home owner."

Colin Bowman, station manager at Sunderland Central fire station,
said: "Crew manager Derek Grimes was in charge of the appliance that was there and carried out an assessment.

"The boy's legs were doubled back on themselves so he was wedged in the pipe and couldn't get out because his legs were folded.

"He asked a local resident if he could use some washing up liquid and while he was supporting him one of the firefighters lubricated his legs and, like a cork out of a wine bottle, he came out."