Man and dog rescued after falling through ice

A man and his dog have been rescued after plunging into icy water at a nature reserve.

North Yorkshire Police said the man, aged in his 20s, had ventured onto a frozen lake to save his dog who had fallen through the surface at Marfield Wetlands, near Masham.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, attended the scene today and managed to rescue both the man and his pet.

The force said the man had been taken to hospital to be checked over and although "very cold", the dog was also safe and well.

A spokesperson added: "While this incident had a positive outcome, it serves as a critical reminder; if your dog goes onto the ice or falls in, do not follow them.

"Tragically, it's often the person who goes after the dog who doesn't survive."

They warned that even if the ice near the bank seemed thick, it often becomes thinner towards the centre.

If someone was to fall in, they could disappear beneath the surface, out of sight and away from help.

The freezing water can also overwhelm them, leaving them unable to help themselves.

Instead, police encouraged people to call 999 for help if their pet enters the water and is unable to be called back.

The nature reserve is a restored sand and gravel quarry site.

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