Ice maiden who saved dog from frozen lake
THIS owner went to drastic and potentially risky lengths to save her dog yesterday as temperatures dipped below zero.
She plunged into a freezing boating lake after her pet had fallen in after scampering across the thin ice to chase birds.
The woman took off her jacket and shoes before jumping into the water at Alexandra Palace, North London, with a life ring.
After smashing her way through pieces of ice, she was able to get close to the dog and manoeuvre it towards the side of the lake.
An onlooker came to her aid by picking up the animal and helping the woman out of the water. Then a worker at a local cafe gave her some dry clothes to put on before the mystery pet owner was driven away.
However, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents does not advise going into icy water.
Its website says: ‘Over 50 per cent of ice-related drowning involved an attempted rescue of a person or a dog.
‘In many instances, the dog managed to scramble ashore unaided while the owner did not. It is prudent not to throw sticks or balls for dogs near frozen water and if they do get into trouble, not to try to rescue them by venturing onto the ice.’
The drama came as more than 100 flights were cancelled at London Heathrow and the Met Office issued a warning to motorists to take extra care.
Temperatures are forecast to stay below zero tonight with anticipated lows of -5C.
The weather is expected to stay dry throughout the rest of the week, with plenty of sunshine for many although patchy rain is forecast later on Friday.