A COW was rescued by firefighters on Sunday after the animal had fallen into the River Thames.

The cow had become stuck by the banks of the river around two miles east of Eynhsam Lock.

At around midday a specialist rescue crew from Kidlington along with a crew from Eynhsam were called out to the river and were able to hoist the beast from the water.

Oxford Mail:

Pic credit: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Crews, with help from Thames Valley Police officers, attached the ropes to a bulldozer to help bring the animal back onto dry land.

Following the rescue, the service re-iterated advice for members of the public to avoid rescue attempts themselves.

Oxford Mail:

Pic credit: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A statement on the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Facebook page read: “If you ever see a stranded animal in need of rescue always call 999.

“Never attempt to rescue it yourself, you may put yourself in serious danger.”

In July fire crews were called to a similar spot to rescue another cow which had become stuck by the steep river banks.