Sheep and lamb saved from river in Melton thanks to water rescue specialists and firefighter colleagues

A passer-by alerted Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service that several sheep had entered the river off Saxby Road at about 2.40pm on Saturday.

A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “An adult sheep was in a fast flowing river, about three feet deep, and a lamb was following it into the river. There was also a further adult sheep that was stranded on an island in the river.

“Crews from our Melton Station and water rescue specialist crews from Southern Station were mobilised to rescue the animals. Crews rescued the sheep and a lamb and confirmed that there were further animals in the area. The RSPCA and a vet were notified, along with the owner who attended.”

The condition of the rescued animals wasn’t known at the time of going to press.