Two men were left stranded in an icy Essex lake over the weekend after a dramatic attempt to rescue a dog from the freezing water, prompting a major emergency response.
Dramatic Scene at Connaught Water
The incident unfolded at Connaught Water in Epping Forest on Sunday, 4 January 2026, ahead of what was forecast to be the coldest night of the year. According to Essex Fire and Rescue Service, a member of the public fell through the ice while trying to save the dog, leading to a second person also becoming stranded in the perilous conditions.
Eyewitness Ozgur Ontas, who filmed the scene, told Sky News: "My family and I were walking around the lake, we live nearby, when suddenly we saw a man fall into the water and someone else helping him." He described a crowd gathering and emergency services being called immediately.
Emergency Services to the Rescue
Firefighters were called to the scene to perform the delicate rescue. Mr Ontas reported that the dog was successfully retrieved from the lake within ten or fifteen minutes of the incident beginning. He confirmed the pet was "wet but fine" and was safely reunited with its owners.
Both men managed to get out of the water with assistance from the emergency crews. They were subsequently left in the care of the ambulance service for assessment and treatment. The rescue occurred during a severe cold snap, with temperatures in the Epping Forest District plunging to -6°C in the early hours of that Sunday morning.
Official Warning Issued
In the wake of the incident, fire service officials issued a stark warning to the public. Watch Manager Gary Dyer stated that while they "completely understand why people want to help in situations like this," entering cold water is extremely dangerous.
"Cold water can overwhelm the body very quickly," he emphasised. "The safest thing to do is stay out of the water and call us - we have the training and equipment to respond safely." This advice comes as the UK braced for Storm Goretti, the first named storm of the year, following the intense cold period.
The successful outcome, with no serious injuries reported, highlights the risks the public can face during winter emergencies and the critical role of professional emergency responders.
