Spending review: Dog escapes death after falling through ice into frozen lake

The family of a dog who fell through ice into a frozen lake while off the lead have praised "amazing" passers-by who risked their own safety to rescue him.

Mabel the black labrador had been swimming in the lake off Norton Road in Malton, North Yorkshire, when she disappeared under the water on Thursday afternoon.

Her owners, who live nearby, rushed to the scene after receiving a call from a friend but could not see Mabel anywhere.

They alerted the fire service, but by the time firefighters arrived they said it was too dangerous for them to go into the water.

However, passers-by had already formed a human chain and begun breaking the ice with a large branch.

One man, who did not want to be named, waded into the freezing water and found Mabel submerged under the ice.

He pulled her out and passed her back to another person in the chain, who gave her to Mabel's owners.

Mabel was rushed to a local veterinary clinic, where she was treated for shock and hypothermia.

She has since made a full recovery and is back home with her relieved family.

Her grateful owners said they could not thank the rescuers enough for their bravery.

"We are so grateful to everyone who helped Mabel, especially the man who went into the water to save her," said her owner.

"We can't thank them enough for what they did. They are true heroes."

The fire service said they were called to the scene at 3.45pm on Thursday.

"When we arrived, there were a number of people on the scene who had formed a human chain and were breaking the ice with a large branch," said a spokesperson.

"One man had already waded into the water and found the dog, which was submerged under the ice.

"He pulled the dog out and passed it back to another person in the chain, who gave it to the owners.

"The dog was taken to a local veterinary clinic for treatment and is now recovering well.

"We would like to praise the members of the public who helped to rescue the dog. Their bravery and quick thinking saved its life."