A dog owner trying to save his pug from drowning had to be rescued himself.

The owner was was walking along the River Medway near New Hythe Lane in Larkfield, when his short dog took a 12ft leap off the path into the river.

In a bid to save his pooch the man leapt into the water and got a hold of him.

But they were both trapped as the owner could not scale the river wall.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service had to be called to the scene at around 4.45pm yesterday (Tuesday).

When they arrived, firefighters saved the dog first, using a specialist bag.

A KFRS spokesman said: "A water safety unit and three fire engines were sent to the scene and crews devised an action plan to reach the pair clinging onto a metal pole.

"A rescue bag was lowered down and the owner placed the dog into it before crews hauled it back to the top. A rescue sling was lowered for the man to place around his waist, and he was hoisted up out of the water.

"There were no reported injuries, but the dog was taken to the vet to be checked over.

"Following this rescue, crews are advising dog owners to keep dogs on leads when near water, no matter how obedient the dog is, to avoid situations like this."

Both man and man's best friend were out of the water by 5.10pm.

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