An owl was trapped by a fishing line and suspended over a lake for more than an hour until it was rescued by firefighters.

The animal was found hanging approximately ten feet over a lake near Chapel Road at 7.55pm last night and was reported to the RSPCA who got in touch with Essex Fire Service.

Firefighters launched a boat and used chimney roads to rescue the owl.

The animal was freed by 9.42pm and left in the care of the RSPCA.