Newton: Fire service called to rescue horse stuck in Sankey Canal

At around 3.30pm on Wednesday, September 18, a horse is reported to have jumped into the Sankey Canal around Newton-le-Willows.

With a large build up of weeds and algae present along this stretch of the canal, a local fishing group has previously raised concerns over the safety of the Lower Pound, suggesting that it has become increasingly hazardous in recent years.

Although there is a sign to caution against horse riding around the canal, residents have pointed out this as another example of the health and safety risk to animals around the canal.

With the horse getting stuck in the mud after stumbling into the water, fire crews were called to rescue the animal to safety.

READ MORE > Concerns over water pollution in Warrington

Fire crews had to rescue the horse from the canal (Image: Contributed) A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) spokesperson said: "MFRS attended an incident at Sankey Canal, Newton-le-Willows, on 18 September.

"Crews were alerted at 15.30 and the search and rescue team and one fire engines were on scene shortly after. On arrival crews found one horse stuck in mud in an embankment.

"Fire crews built a ramp out of hay bales and used strops and manual handling equipment to rescue the horse, which was then checked over by a vet.

"Crews left the scene at 17.20."

Fishing groups have spent 'countless hours' cleaning the stretch of canal (Image: Contributed) With this stretch of canal under the authority of St Helens Council, it is understood to have helped to cut back the trees and improve the banking recently, while a water quality report is being carried out by the local authority's Environment Agency.

United Utilities has also confirmed that it is carrying out investigations to establish if there are any potential misconnections into a surface water sewer.