A DOG died yesterday, Sunday after failed attempts by fire crews to rescue it from a canal.

The drama unfolded on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, off Greenbank Road in Stockton Heath.

It is believed the cross-breed dog disappeared at around lunchtime. Firefighters launched their boat and used a thermal imaging camera to try and locate the animal.

RSPCA staff and the owners were also involved in the search. The dog was eventually found dead on the banks of the canal later.