A dogowner dived into a freezing lake to rescue his dog.

The man jumped into the lake close to Sevenoaks Road in the Lagney area of Eastbourne at around 10.30am this morning to rescue his two-year-old weimraner.

Firefighters from Eastbourne were able to rescue the dog from the lake and attempted to warm it with their tunics for around fifteen minutes before taking it to the vets.

The dog later died at St. Anne’s Vets in Eastbourne.

The owner was able to get out of the water unaided and did not require treatment.

Crew manager Justin Stoneham said: “We would ask any members of the public not to try and rescue their dogs from water but to phone the emergency services instead.

“We have seen stories nationally where owners have tried to do this and the dog has managed to get out but sadly the owner hasn’t.”