Firefighters were battling to save a horse from the Thames last night.

The animal had fallen into the river close to the Southern Bypass between Hinksey Roundabout and Heyford Hill Roundabout, Oxford.

Fire crews from Rewley Road and Kidlington were called at 5.25pm and were still at the scene as the Oxford Mail went to press.

The horse was being kept on a field rented by Oxford city councillor and keen rider Nuala Young. Mrs Young was last night assisting firefighters in the rescue, and was searching for a winch to help pull the horse to safety.