A DOG had to be rescued by firefighters this afternoon after getting stuck up a chimney.

The pet became trapped in a chimney breast at a home in Bocking near Braintree at around 1.20pm.

The fire service were called and helped to rescue the pooch.

Station Officer Steve Wintrip said: “The dog is a chocolate brown spaniel called Molly, she had gone into the chimney crest herself and once in there climbed up onto a little shelf and been unable to turn around or get out.

“We had to take part of the hearth down and smash our way in with a hammer.

“We did as little damage as we could and made sure that we got Molly out safe and sound.

“She didn’t seem afraid at all, in fact she seemed to love all the attention she was getting.

“She is a lovely, friendly dog and we were glad to get her out safely and back top the loving arms of her owners.”

He said the dog freed by 1.45pm and was not hurt.