A dramatic ice rescue unfolded in Epping Forest after a man and a heroic passer-by both plunged into freezing water while trying to save a dog.
Dramatic footage captures dangerous rescue attempt
The incident occurred on Sunday at Connaught Water in Essex, after the lake had frozen over during the UK's recent spell of sub-zero temperatures. The pet dog had wandered onto the ice, prompting its owner to venture out in a rescue attempt. However, the thin ice gave way, leaving the man stranded in the bitterly cold water.
Video footage captured by a witness shows a second man, a passer-by, then heroically crawling across the frozen surface on his hands and knees to reach the distressed pair. Tragically, as he neared the dog and its owner, the ice broke beneath him too, sending him into the water.
Frantic struggle to safety in sub-zero conditions
The chilling video shows both men struggling to haul themselves out, only for the fragile ice to continue cracking around them. Despite the extreme danger and freezing conditions, the pair eventually managed to scramble to safety. Paramedics checked them over at the scene.
The dog was safely reunited with its owner. One of the men was subsequently taken to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, East London, for further assessment and care following the ordeal.
Fire service issues urgent frozen water warning
In the wake of the incident, Essex Fire and Rescue Service has issued a stark warning to the public. Watch Manager Gary Dyer emphasised the lethal risks of cold water, stating: "We completely understand why people want to help in situations like this, but cold water can overwhelm the body very quickly."
He stressed that the safest course of action is to stay off the ice and call for professional help. "The safest thing to do is stay out of the water and call us - we have the training and equipment to respond safely," Dyer advised. The official guidance is clear: if someone or an animal gets into difficulty in cold water, do not enter. Instead, call 999 and ask for the fire service.
This rescue comes as the UK endures a severe cold snap. Temperatures plunged to as low as -12.5C on Monday night, with snow covering large parts of the country. The Met Office has yellow weather warnings for snow and ice in place for much of the UK this week, with further freezing conditions forecast.
The UK Health Security Agency has extended its amber cold health alerts for England, warning that the adverse temperatures are likely to impact health and wellbeing until Sunday. The freezing weather has also caused significant disruption, leading to school closures and travel cancellations across several nations.
