A RESCUE team waded into the cold waters of the River Avon today to save a deer that had fallen in and had been swept downstream in the fast-flowing current.
It is unknown how and when the deer entered the river in the Maltings but it is likely that it would have been considerably further up the river and the strength of the current prevented it from escaping.
Read more: Live blog as deer rescued
Firefighters from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) attended the scene and strategised the best way in which to rescue the animal while mitigating the risk for all concerned.
At the scene, a DWFRS spokesperson, Wayne Jones said: "We think the deer is low on energy levels and has attempted to get out several times. We have a technical rescue team enroute to the scene.
"We are able to operate in this environment quite safely and have trained in this environment."
Read more: From highway men to drownings, the secrets of the Old Gaol
The stretch along the river had been cordoned off at one point in the hopes that the deer would break free from its cover hidden at the far side of the river but the concerns were that the deer could be swept over the weir to the left of the Bishop's Mill.
Once the specialist rescue service members had waded into the water, they made their way around the area where the deer was expected to be.
The deer - a muntjac had manouvred further than expected and then managed to free itself from the river by jumping over the railings on the far side of the river racing towards the crowd who were watching on the bridge outside of the Market Walk.
Watch the Facebook Live to see the whole rescue
The deer in a panicked state then jumped back into the river. At this point, the team were able to restrain the animal and place in a cage for its own protection.
Following the rescue, a spokesperson for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to The Maltings at 12.08pm today after a member of the public reported a small deer being trapped on the river bank.
"A crew from Salisbury initially attended and, having assessed the scene, a water rescue team was mobilised from Poole. They were able to rescue the deer and it has now been taken to the vet. The crew from Salisbury left the scene at 2.52pm."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel