A DOG stranded in the Thames was rescued by firefighters this morning.

The dog's owner took it for a walk along the river near Abingdon at about 9.30am when it dove into the river and ended up on an island, apparently unable to get back.

The owner attempted to wade into the water to rescue it when a member of public called 999.

Two crews of firefighters from Abingdon and Kidlington raced to the scene and helped to rescue the animal and reunite it with its owner.

Station manager Paul Webster said his team had been happy to help but warned dog walkers not to put their own lives in danger trying to save their pets.

He said: "Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service respond to a variety of rescues involving pets, livestock and wild animals.

"Animals in distress can pose a potential risk to the public, members of other agencies and to firefighters.

"Before the arrival of crews today, a member of the public had entered the water in an attempt to rescue their pet.

"This incident acts as a timely reminder that animal rescues can be extremely dangerous and that's why the service has specialist crews on hand to help – we urge that the public don't put their own lives in danger."