FIREFIGHTERS helped save a dog that took a leap into the unknown and ended up stranded on the Thames riverbank in Tilbury.

Boycie is a Mini Labradoodle owned by Chelsea Barnard of Long Lane, Stifford Clays, and was being walked by her parents near the river on Fort Road.

Chelsea says: "All of a sudden he saw a gap and jumped over a low part of the wall, heaven knows what he thought was on the other side but it was a big drop.

"Amazingly he was unhurt but clearly couldn't get up.

"My parents are not agile or able enough to climb down to get him but thankfully a very kind gentleman did just that and not only checked Boycie, but kept him calm until firefighters arrived and they were able to hoist hi, up.

"I'm so very grateful to everybody for their help.

"Boycie was unhurt and full of himself when he got home. I think he enjoyed all the fuss."

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service says: "We were called to Ford Road, Tilbury on Saturday at 2.27pm.

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"A dog had jumped over the sea wall, about five metres down, and could not be retrieved by its owner.

"A crew from Orsett attended, caught the dog and lifted it to safety, using a high rise bag, long line and triple extension ladder, by 3.18pm."