Fire crews fought a "race against time" to save a canal barge which became trapped in strong currents tonight.

The barge became stuck between two banks on the River Thames, near Osney Island, at about 6pm.

Fast-flowing water caused by recent heavy rain poured into the barge through bilge holes, putting it in danger of capsizing.

A couple and their eight-week-old daughter living on the barge jumped to safety on to the riverbank.

The 33-year-old owner, who did not want to be named, said: "The currents were too strong and it took me broadside.

"It was impossible to stop it."

Two fire crews and a rescue boat battled for almost an hour with winches and ropes to prevent the barge sinking. Fire station manager John Nixon said: "It was a long drawn-out process. The boat was stuck in strong currents and it was a race against time."

Paul Smith, of the Environment Agency, issued a warning to all canal boats to beware of the strong currents in Oxfordshire's rivers.