Police warning after man falls through ice trying to save dog near Masham

Police have issued a warning to dog owners after a man fell through a frozen pond trying to rescue his pet in a "terrifying incident".

Emergency services, including land and air ambulances and fire and rescue crews, were called to Marfield Wetlands, near Masham, North Yorkshire, after the man, in his 20s, got into trouble on Wednesday, 15 January.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said he had plunged through the ice after the dog went into a pond.

Describing it as a "terrifying incident", they added: "Thankfully, both the man and his dog were rescued, and the man has been taken to hospital to be checked over.

"We’re relieved to share that the dog was very cold but is also safe and well. 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."

The spokesperson said owners should call emergency services if a dog does not emerge from cold water.

In a post on social media Masham Fire Station said it was unable to respond to the incident due to "insufficient crewing".

The post said: "This type of incident is time critical and would of likely seen us at the scene within minutes if we were available. We would like to thank our colleagues who attended."

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