Dog rescued after getting stuck in Wigan pond

The American type pit bull was unable to get to safety after ending up in the pond near Wigan fire station on Wednesday.

A firefighter using water equipment and a wet suit managed to reach the dog and bring it to safety.

Gareth Gray, watch manager at Wigan fire station, said the dog had a lucky escape.

He said: "The dog had been off its lead and ended up in the pond and got stuck at around 4.30pm on Wednesday.

"It's owner got into get it but the dog was 25m out so they couldn't reach it and nor could a passer-by who attempted to rescue it.

"So we were called and thankfully our firefighterJoe Lunt managed to reach and rescue it using water equipment and a wet suit."

The area, which has a number of ponds, is popular with dog walkers.

He added: "The dog was starting to drown and if it had been there for five minutes longer it would have been too late.

"So it's had a very lucky escape and it's been a happy ending fortunately."