FIREFIGHTERS saved an eight-week-old foal after it fell into a river on marshland in South Ockendon.

Essex Fire and rescue Service was called by a member of the public who spotted the foal in Mardyke yesterday (Wednesday, 2 July) at 3.26pm.

A crew from Grays attended and carried out a search, with assistance from the service's Urban Search and Rescue team using a drone.

The stricken foal was located at 4.56pm and a water rescue team from Chelmsford got it to safety by 6.10pm.

Station Manager Scott Fretton said: "Crews did a fantastic job of carrying out the rescue in very difficult conditions.

"The foal was exhausted but he got to his feet very swiftly and we were able to leave it with its owner. We are delighted it was a happy outcome for everyone.

"We'd like to thank the member of public who spotted the foal and helped us to locate it using what3words.

"We really recommend people download the app because it can help emergency services get to the right place quickly."