Donkey stuck in mud in Essex freed by firefighters

Firefighters had to get their hands dirty as they spent almost three hours rescuing a donkey stuck in the mud.

Essex County Fire & Rescue service was called to Stock, near Billericay, at 16:40 GMT on Sunday.

Crews found Archie, a donkey aged in his mid-20s, had sunk in a waterlogged area of his paddock and the mud was up to his belly.

He gave a "loud bray" after bouncing back from the dramatic rescue operation, his owner Deb said.

Chelmsford watch manager Andy Edwards said Archie could not move because of the thick clay.

He said a veterinarian had to sedate the donkey so the crew could get strops - special straps used in animal rescues - underneath him.

"We couldn't get our rescue vehicle close enough and the spades were ineffective, so we dug him out by hand and pulled him out manually. It was tough, dirty work but the crews did brilliantly," Mr Edwards said.

Archie was finally released at 19:26.

Deb praised the "absolutely brilliant" work of the firefighters.

"Archie was up early this morning and gave us a loud bray, so he is fine," she added.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830