An endangered Borneo orangutan and its baby escaped from raging fires in Indonesia that destroyed their forest habitat - only to be attacked by angry villagers.

The malnourished mother and youngster, called Gito, were found distressed and clinging to one another as locals hurled rocks at them and tried to tie them up before they were saved by International Animal Rescue (IAC).

Many apes have fled their forest homes which have been engulfed by fires lit to clear land.

Nick of time: International Animal Rescue's photo shows a baby orangutan holding onto its malnourished mother while being rescued in Borneo's West Kalimantan province. The pair had escaped a forest fire before being set upon by villagers. (Photo/Mail Online)