A HORSE had to be lifted by crane from a river after it slid down the bank and into the water.

Firefighters from East Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called from Crowborough Fire Station, to rescue the horse, which had fallen into the river at Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Ways, Yalding.

A vet was present to sedate the animal which was believed to have been in the water for some time before it was pulled from the water, using a crane and a winch, early on Wednesday morning.