A DOG has been plucked from the icy waters of the River Orwell today.

The pooch, believed to be a female bulldog, was spotted in the river near to DanceEast at around 6.30am.

Three fire crews were alerted to help in the rescue of the stricken animal.

A water rescue team and another engine from Princes Street fire station and a specialist team from Bury St Edmunds discovered the dog.

Using a nine-metre ladder and the swift water rescue team they plucked the pooch from the freezing water, getting her safely ashore shortly before 7am.

A spokesman for the fire brigade said there appeared to be no owners nearby.

“We have called the RSPCA and they are on their way to collect her,” he said. “We have taken her back to the fire station to warm her up.”