A SUNDAY morning runner put himself in 'serious danger' after attempting to rescue a cow stuck in mud beside teh River Thames.

The cow had become stuck beside deep water, near the Swinford Toll Bridge, in Eynsham, shortly before 8.30am and a passing runner reportedly jumped in to try to rescue it.

A crew from Eynsham Fire Station eventually saved the cow - which it said was 'cold but unharmed' - using a hose inflation kit.

Watch manager Frank Patterson said it was escorted safely back to its herd and checked over by the farmer. 

Mr Patterson warned people to always call 999 with this kind of incident and not put themselves at risk.

He said: "We spoke to the person who made the initial call to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Alarmingly he told us that a passing runner had jumped into the water to try to rescue the cow himself before running off after futile attempts.

"We must stress that although well intentioned, this person put himself in serious danger.

"The water was extremely cold, the cow was stuck in mud in deep water, it was distressed and could have caused serious injury.

"Please always call 999 and leave this type of incident to the Fire and Rescue Service."