A HORSE was rescued by firefighters yesterday (Wednesday) after it got stuck in a lake. The alarm was raised by a fisherman who spotted the horse stuck with its head just above the water in the lake behind Wislea Crescent in Colney Heath. Unable to rescue

A HORSE was rescued by firefighters yesterday (Wednesday) after it got stuck in a lake.

The alarm was raised by a fisherman who spotted the horse stuck with its head just above the water in the lake behind Wistlea Crescent in Colney Heath.

Unable to rescue the horse themselves, RSPCA officers called upon the assistance of firefighters at around 9.30am.

On arrival the crew from Welwyn Garden City found the horse stranded in about six foot of water and slurry and it was not known how long the animal had been stuck there.

A spokesperson for Herts Fire and Rescue service said: "We think that the horse may have bent down to drink from the lake and the bank gave way, leaving the horse with its feet stuck in the mud."

Also at the scene were the fire service's Rescue Support Unit, a four-wheel-drive vehicle and the Water Rescue Team from Hatfield, who entered the water wearing dry-suits.

The team used slings around the rear and middle of the horse and attached lines to make a harness in order to pull it out of the water.

The spokesperson said: "One firefighter supported the head while seven others hauled it to safety as it didn't have enough energy to make its own way out. It collapsed on the bank and received treatment from a vet.

The firefighters then led the horse up the steep embankment away from the lake and left it in the care of the RSPCA. They left the scene at around 11am.