The web erupted in frenzied speculation last night after reports that emergency services had been called to Kate Middleton’s home, but it seems the call had nothing to do with the royal baby.

In fact, firefighters were rushed to the Berkshire family home of the Duchess of Cambridge because a dog, belived to be Kate’s black cocker spaniel Lupo, got its head stuck in the gates.

Photographer Greg Blatchford, who was at the scene awaiting a shot of Middleton leaving for hospital, told The Mirror he heard calls for Lupo, followed by ‘a high-pitched scream which sounded like a dog in distress’.

A spokesman for the Royal Berkshire fire service confirmed they had been called shortly before 6pm last night, saying; “We were called to an animal rescue. The special unit from Reading was despatched along with an appliance from the nearest station, Newbury.

“Our crew got to the manor but were told as they arrived at the gates that the dog, which had got its head stuck, had been freed just a few moments earlier so their services were not needed.

Kate and Wiliam pictured with cocker spaniel Lupo

Kate has owned pet Lupo for 19 months, after he was born to a Middleton family dog.