Fire crews have used a JCB to rescue a horse trapped in a swimming pool.

The fire service was called to reports of the animal being trapped. The male horse, William, had fallen into the unused pool and was unable to climb out earlier this morning.

Fortunately he was found in the shallow end of the water by his owner who alerted emergency services.

Station manager Andy Roberts, who helped rescue him, said: “It was a difficult rescue owing to the frailty of the horse and the depth of the water, but fortunately William was found in the shallow end. Crews kept his nose out of the water until a vet arrived and sedated him. Fire crews worked hard for several hours preparing to lift him out.

"They used a portable water pump to drain water out of the pool and put slings and straps around William so he could be lifted out safely.

"His owner used a JCB to hoist William out of the pool and on to dry land. He is now on his feet and recovering in a nearby field, with only a few cuts and bruises to show for his ordeal.”

Fire crews from Bromley also attended with specialist animal rescue equipment.